Japa Syndrome: Tinubu Govt Raises Lecturers’ Salaries by 40% to Curb Brain Drain — Senator Imasuen

By Moshood Karim

The Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, has disclosed that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rolled out sweeping reforms aimed at tackling the persistent brain drain in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome.”

Imasuen revealed that the Federal Government recently renegotiated its agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), approving a 40 per cent increase in academic staff salaries effective January 1, 2026, as part of measures to improve welfare and discourage the migration of lecturers abroad.

He added that the revised agreement also strengthens the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, enabling lecturers to access improved support for research, academic publications, conferences, and professional development.

The lawmaker made the disclosure while delivering a lecture titled “The Role of the Nigerian Senate in the Development of Higher Education in Nigeria” at the 5th Matriculation Ceremony and Groundbreaking/Foundation Laying Ceremony for the College of Medicine Administrative Building and the Department of Anatomy Laboratory of Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State on Saturday.

According to him, the Federal Government has also released ₦2.3 billion to federal universities to clear outstanding staff arrears in a bid to restore confidence and financial stability within the university system.

Imasuen further disclosed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, broader institutional reforms have been prioritised with increased attention to infrastructure development and research funding through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He said the intervention agency has been refocused on promoting academic excellence, high-impact research and capacity expansion across tertiary institutions.

To strengthen global academic collaboration, the Federal Government also launched the BRIDGE Diaspora Platform, designed to connect Nigerian academics abroad with local universities for knowledge transfer and research partnerships rather than permanent migration.

The senator noted that workforce development initiatives—particularly in critical sectors such as medicine—are also being expanded to strengthen domestic training capacity.

Speaking on the constitutional role of the Senate, Imasuen explained that the upper chamber is primarily responsible for lawmaking, oversight of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and authorisation of national budgets and public expenditures.

He said the Senate has significantly contributed to the advancement of higher education through legislation guiding regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission and TETFund, while also strengthening admission frameworks through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

The lawmaker added that the Senate also plays a decisive role in determining education funding through appropriation processes, conducts oversight to ensure institutional accountability, and confirms key presidential appointments affecting the governance of tertiary institutions.

Imasuen highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at deepening research and innovation ecosystems, promoting university–industry collaboration, and advancing digital transformation in higher education through technology-enabled learning models.

He also pointed to recent legislative initiatives expanding access to educational financing, including student loan schemes administered through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

Despite the reforms, the senator admitted that Nigeria’s higher education system still faces structural challenges, particularly inadequate funding, rapid population growth, limited admission capacity, and the continued migration of skilled academic personnel.

“These challenges are interconnected and systemic. Only through deliberate policy coherence, adequate resource allocation and institutional accountability can Nigeria reposition its higher education system to meet both national development goals and global standards,” he said.

Imasuen commended governor Monday Okpebholo for aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda by strengthening Ambrose Alli University to enhance academic excellence in the State.

Representing the governor at the event, the Edo State Secretary to the Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, praised the senator for his contributions to national development and reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to supporting educational institutions.

He assured the management of the Institution of needed support. He disclosed that the Edo State Government is finalising a partnership with the Edo Specialist Hospital to serve as a training facility for Mudiame university’s medical students pending the completion of its own teaching hospital.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Mudiame University, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, commended the Edo State governor for his strong commitment to educational advancement, describing his leadership as transformative for institutions in the State.

Aluyor also charged the matriculating students to remain focused on their academic journey and avoid vices capable of undermining their future.

The Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunny Eromosele, encouraged the students to take pride in their decision to study at the institution, revealing that the university employs inclusive teaching methodologies and maintains international academic collaborations, including partnerships with universities in Sweden.

The highlight of the event was the groundbreaking foundation laying ceremony and for the College of Medicine building, attended by several dignitaries including the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Prof. Reuben Agbons Eifediyi, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders in the education sector.