The Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University (GoUni) Enugu, Rev Fr Prof Christian Anieke has identified job creation and employment opportunities as panacea to brain drain. 

Anieke, who affirms that brain drain was damaging the country’s economy, noted that the only way to stem the tide was for the government to create employment opportunities and better working conditions. 

He made this known during the graduation ceremony of vocational students project, by the Centre of Practical Skills, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu. 

The project, implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, ICMPD, in Enugu, Nigeria, graduated the first set of Nigerian youths who have completed vocational training. 

Prof. Anieke hinted that the University engaged in the partnership having discovered that job creation and employment opportunities in Africa remained the solution “to stem the tide of migration, which is called ‘Japa in Nigeria’, the tendency to move away.”

However, while applauding the ICMPD, he said the idea of the Centre “is to provide workers for companies, so the companies will not have any problem trying to source its workers.

“I confirm, not from hearsay, that these young men are ready to supply the needed skills, the needed manpower in Nigeria. I do hope that there will be no need for these young men to leave outside Nigeria to explore greener pastures.

“I do hope that with this young man and women will be so well paid that they will not need to travel outside Nigeria. 

While urging the graduates to brace up for challenges, the VC said every country of the world has its own issues. 

“Challenges, including insecurity, should not deter you. Whether it is in the United States, I can tell you that at least everyday, 20 persons are killed in the United States of America. I can tell you that there is no country in this world where you do not have challenges of insecurity, your country is not worse than these other places,” he declared. 

As I look at you, I see those who will drive the economy of this country, I see millionaires, not by stealing money but by providing knowledge that will change our country.