Japa (Migration) Syndrome in Nigeria Palace: A Reading of Selected Francophone and Anglophone Literature

Abstract

The phenomenon of ‘Japa’ syndrome, characterized by the mass emigration of Nigerians abroad, has emerged as a significant aspect of Nigeria's contemporary landscape. This paper adopts a literary lens to delve into this phenomenon, employing Lee’s push-pull theory and Bhagwati’s brain drain phenomenon as integral components of its methodology with an interpretive design. Through an analysis of Sanusi's un nègre a violé une blonde à Dallas (Nègre) from the French literary bloc and Adichie's "Americanah" from the English literary bloc. This study seeks to unravel the complexities of Japa and its repercussions on Nigerian society. The selected literary works are scrutinized to discern the motivations and experiences driving Nigerians to migrate abroad, shedding light on the social, economic, and political forces underpinning Japa. By employing a comparative framework, the study elucidates the similarities and disparities in the portrayal of Japa across linguistic boundaries. Furthermore, it probes into the potential influence of language itself in shaping perceptions surrounding Japa. The findings of the study reveal that many Nigerians, like most Africans and third-world-nation citizens, experiencing Japa are pushed by factors like limited economic opportunities and political instability while being pulled by the promise of higher wages, better living conditions, and greater opportunities in the West.  This trend could lead to brain drain and obstruct the country's advancement as talented people leave.   The study contributes to a more complex understanding of Japa syndrome by elucidating its causes, effects, and position within Nigeria's broader migration and identity narratives.

Keywords: Japa, Emigration, Nigeria, Americanah, Un nègre a violé une blonde à Dallas