JAPA Scandal Rocks Lagos: 30% of LASG Trainees Abroad Fail to Return, Says Commissioner
JAPA Scandal Rocks Lagos: 30% of LASG Trainees Abroad Fail to Return, Says Commissioner
Lagos State is facing a serious controversy over its international training programs after it emerged that nearly one-third of civil servants sent abroad for training have not returned home. The revelation was made by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, during a press briefing marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
In an unexpectedly frank admission, Ayantayo acknowledged that the state’s efforts to develop human capital through overseas training have been compromised by the so-called “Japa syndrome”—a term used to describe the wave of brain drain or emigration among professionals.
When asked about the number of staff who returned from training programs abroad, Ayantayo stated, “While 70% of those sent abroad have come back, 30% have failed to return.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to capacity building, noting that between May 2022 and December 2024, a total of 23,420 staff benefitted from various training initiatives across multiple sectors and skill levels, with over 185 programs conducted to improve public sector efficiency, leadership, and compliance.
Despite these investments, the alarming 30% non-return rate has raised concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring, accountability, and staff retention strategies. Ayantayo also disclosed that about 8,000 civil servants had been granted study leave in the past three years to upgrade their qualifications and skills across different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
On a positive note, the Commissioner highlighted some achievements, including Governor Sanwo-Olu’s approval of a N35,000 salary increase for public workers to help mitigate economic hardships. In the health sector, interventions such as the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), Rural Allowance for Primary Healthcare Workers, and bonuses for staff at the Lagos State College of Medicine were also mentioned to boost morale and performance.
However, Ayantayo declined to comment on the contentious issue of severance packages for outgoing political appointees, remaining silent on the allowances paid to former officeholders.
As more public servants reportedly go abroad following official trips, the question remains: what measures will the Lagos government take to address this costly and embarrassing trend of brain drain?
