The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, urged African leaders to address the issue of brain drain by generating high-quality employment opportunities for the continent’s large population of unemployed youths.
Speaking at the second Veritas University Digital Innovations Exhibition and 12th convocation lecture in Abuja, Adesina highlighted the phenomenon of Nigerian professionals leaving for better prospects abroad, referred to as “Japa syndrome,” and emphasized the need for proactive measures to retain and harness the talents of the nation’s brightest minds.
The former Minister of Agriculture, delivered a convocation lecture themed “Africa, It’s Your Time.”
He emphasized the need for African nations, particularly Nigeria, to transform their significant youth population into an asset rather than a liability.
Adesina, who received an honorary doctorate from Veritas University, disclosed that Nigeria, along with 10 other African countries, would benefit from AfDB’s $20 billion Desert-to-Power initiative, aimed at developing 10 GW of solar power, making it the world’s largest solar zone upon completion.
Adesina announced Veritas University’s designation as an AfDB center of excellence for computer coding for employment. He stressed the importance of bankable ideas over financial resources and encouraged the youth to leverage technology and artificial intelligence for creative solutions.
He advocated for bold industrial manufacturing actions to create wealth, jobs, and economic growth in Nigeria, preventing the continued emigration of young people seeking opportunities abroad.
He urged African nations to tap into their vast natural resources and emphasized the untapped potential of arable land, solar energy, and valuable minerals.
The university’s officials highlighted a significant increase in undergraduate enrollment, and Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, the Pro-Chancellor, donated N3 million to three students showcasing innovative ideas during the event.
