A 35-year-old Nigerian man, Adedoyin Adeleke, has shared why he chose to return to Nigeria despite the emigration trend with many skilled and talented young Nigerians leaving the country in large numbers.
Adedoyin Adeleke, a 35-year-old Nigerian from Osun State, has shared why he chose to return to Nigeria at a time when many skilled and talented young Nigerians are leaving the country in large numbers.
Reports from LEADERSHIP highlight the increasing trend, known as the ‘Japa Syndrome,’ where Nigerians are migrating to Europe and other developed countries in search of better opportunities.
Adeleke, who holds a PhD in Energy for Sustainable Development and was working in Italy before his return, emphasized the need to transform Nigeria into an attractive destination for others.
Born on July 7, 1989, in Osogbo, Osun State, Dr. Adeleke completed his primary and secondary education in Osogbo. He then attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife and the University of Ibadan (UI) for his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, respectively. He later received a scholarship from the Italian Government for his Doctoral studies in Italy.
Despite advice from family and friends, Adeleke decided to move back to Nigeria with a mission to drive green growth and development across Africa.
Reflecting on his choice, Adeleke noted that while Europe is considered a ‘greener pasture,’ it was made so by the efforts of its inhabitants. He posed the question, “Can’t we increase the fortune of Nigeria to be ‘green’ enough for other nationals to compete to visit and relocate here?”
Adeleke has contributed significantly to development in 22 African countries from Europe. He believed he could achieve more by returning home. “If I could do this by the side while I was in Europe studying, I can do more if I return. I often say ‘Africa is too rich to be poor, I choose to act’.”
He moved back to Nigeria in November 2023 without informing his family, except for one aunt. His mother only learned of his return five months later in April 2024.
Adeleke’s return was driven by his belief in Nigeria’s and Africa’s potential. He emphasized the need for sacrifice, determination, and hope among citizens, along with proactive efforts from the government and industry stakeholders.
His faith played a crucial role in his decision. “God is my greatest decision-maker; I certainly would not have returned to Nigeria without a leading from Him. I am a believer in God’s supremacy in human affairs.”
Adeleke’s commitment to green growth is evident through his non-profit organization, the Green Growth Africa Sustainability Network (Green Growth Africa), founded in 2017. The organization, formerly known as the International Support Network for African Development (ISNAD-Africa), supports Master’s and Doctoral research students in African universities through its Mentoring for Research Programme. To date, it has 160 mentors from 44 countries supporting 175 students in 55 universities across 22 African countries.
In addition to the Mentoring for Research Programme, Green Growth Africa has launched several initiatives, including the EcoHeroes Initiative, Africa4Nature Health Initiative, and EcoKnowledge Derivatives. The organization also recently introduced the Green Growth DigiHub, a digital platform that highlights global and policy implications of local green growth initiatives.
“Green Growth DigiHub is a one-stop shop on green growth with tiers for social networking, professional networking, news, and communications. We will soon launch a Media and Broadcasting station in Abuja dedicated to green growth and a digital application, Green Growth Watch,” Adeleke stated.
The organization has also built an ultramodern green building made entirely from waste plastic bottles and powered by solar energy, independent of the national grid.
“At Green Growth Africa, our effort is to contribute to sector decarbonisation and nature-based solutions to catalyze green and blue transition in Africa. We aim to develop solutions, policy designs, and innovations that meet Africa’s development needs while reducing the carbon intensity of development processes on the continent,” Adeleke explained.
READ ALSO: “From Being a Doctor to ‘Support Worker’”: Nigerian Lady in UK Recounts Her Difficulties After Japa
SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEADERSHIP
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