Migration narratives in the book of Genesis and Japa syndrome among Nigerian youths

Abstract

The book of Genesis has copious narratives on migration. This article studies the migration stories of Abram’s and Jacob’s families vis-à-vis migration among Nigerian youths. A study of these biblical narratives reveals that severe famine precipitated the movement of these patriarchs and their families. Abram’s and Sarai’s migration to Egypt, according to Genesis 12:10, was a result of famine. Genesis 46 and 47 record that Jacob’s family migrated to Egypt due to the severe famine in Canaan. Similarly, many Nigerian youths migrate to other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Austria, Ireland, Germany, et cetera to escape financial hardship and pursue greener pastures. To this end, the slang ‘Japa’ has become a household term among Nigerian youths. Japa is a new word for leaving one’s country for better living conditions. With narrative and descriptive analysis, this article studies relevant texts in Genesis and the Japa phenomenon among Nigerian youths. A comparative study reveals that bad living conditions are hugely associated with migration in the Old Testament and contemporary times. The high rate of unemployment, underemployment, and a lack of opportunities faced by Nigerian youths are hugely responsible for the mass migration. The study recommends that the Nigerian government create an enabling environment that promotes the financial stability of youths through better job opportunities and career growth.

Contribution: Migration is a long-standing human activity that is generally attributed to the quest for better living conditions. In the Old Testament, famine was hugely responsible for movement from one biblical residence to another. Nigerian society has witnessed a mass migration of its youths to other countries to escape the present economic situation in the country. A comparative study shows that many people migrate because of uncomfortable situations in their residence locations; there are challenges associated with migration, and migration usually leads to improved living conditions.