Vice Chancellor, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Prof. Christian Anike, has identified job creation and employment opportunities as panacea to brain drain.

Anike said brain drain is damaging the country’s economy, stressing that the only way to stem the tide is for the government to create employment opportunities and better working conditions.

He spoke during a graduation ceremony at the Centre for Practical Skills, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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

Anike said the university engaged in the collaboration, having discovered that job creation and employment opportunities in Africa remained the solution to stemming the tide of migration, which is called ‘Japa,’ (tendency to leave the country).

While hailing ICMPD, he pointed out that the idea of the centre was to provide companies with workers, so that they would not have problems sourcing workers.

“I confirm, not from hearsay, that these young men are ready to supply needed skills and manpower in Nigeria. I hope there would be no need for these young men to leave Nigeria for greener pastures abroad. I also hope they will be well-paid and will not need to travel outside Nigeria.

“We know the effect of brain drain, whether it is medical doctors or other professionals, the phenomenon is a huge disservice to the economy of any nation,” he said.

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

He added: “Challenges, including insecurity, should not deter you. I can tell you that in the United States, at least 20 persons are killed every day. So, I acknowledge the challenges you are faced with; insecurity and, of course, other challenges, but I am convinced that these have prepared you.”