With the dire economic climate in Nigeria, with public education a shambles, and many Western countries slamming their doors shut to new migrants in an ever-increasing wave of xenophobia, Russia is looking like a desirable destination for many young Nigerians with “japa” on their minds. “Japa” is a Yoruba word that loosely translates as “escape”.
They are taking advantage of scholarship opportunities provided by the Russian government, as highlighted by a report by DW, the German public service channel.
In the days of the Soviet Union, many Africans took advantage of free tuition to be educated at the country’s universities, especially Patrick Lumumba University in Moscow, named after Congo’s post-independence leader and famed for its intake of international students.
Since the Ukraine war that started in February 2022, as NATO and its allies tried to isolate Russia, President Vladimir Putin seems to have recognised the importance of the “soft power” in providing opportunities for Africans. This move is in stark contrast with virulent anti-immigration sentiments growing in the West.
Some of the concerns of the Nigerians eyeing a trip to Russia include unconfirmed rumours that they may be recruited to fight the war against Ukraine. With a low-intensity war already raging on multiple fronts in Nigeria from poverty to banditry to kidnappings, some Nigerians may prefer their chances against Ukraine.
The queues at the Russian embassy in Abuja suggest they are not put off by the rumours. With a scholarship that covers tuition fees, accommodation and a monthly stipend, it looks like remaining in Nigeria is a no-brainer for those young people.
There are reportedly over 1,000 Nigerian students in Russia. This number is expected to increase significantly in the next few years.
