Osun State University Professor Declares Slavery Will Never Be Fully Abolished
Professor Siyan Oyeweso declares that while 'Compulsory Slavery' has been abolished, other forms of voluntary slavery persist, urging Nigerian leadership to improve living conditions to prevent mass youth exodus
Chukwuebuka Aniakor 
In a bold declaration at the Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS) summit, Professor Siyan Oyeweso of Osun State University stated that slavery will never be completely abolished in the world. The summit, held at the Makanjuola Lecture Theatre of Lagos State University (LASU), focused on the theme: Diaspora Gains And The Questions Of Modern Day Slavery In Africa.
According to Prof. Oyeweso, while “Compulsory Slavery” was abolished in America in 1865, other forms of slavery persist. He pointed out that Nigerians and Africans often subject themselves to voluntary slavery, sometimes without even realizing it. This includes the Japa syndrome, where individuals seek greener pastures in developed countries, often facing inhumane challenges for which they are ill-prepared.
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Prof. Oyeweso urged the Nigerian leadership to make the country comfortable for its citizens, particularly the youth, who are often disgruntled about the economic situation. He highlighted that in 2023 alone, 1,660 Nigerian doctors have left the country for the United Kingdom in search of a better life.
The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, echoed these sentiments in her opening remarks. She noted that Nigerian youths who migrate out of the country in droves often do so without a proper plan to mitigate the challenges they will face abroad. These challenges include sex slavery, child labour, racism, and other forms of inhumane treatment.
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Prof Olatunji-Bello challenged the Nigerian government to make Nigeria habitable for Nigerians to prevent the loss of the country’s best talents. Prof Mubashiru Olayiwola Babatunde Mohammed, the Director of CGNS, expressed optimism for Nigeria’s future, urging the youth to stay and help build the country.
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Despite the challenges, Prof Mohammed remains hopeful, stating, “It is still possible. We can make it work.” He believes that if the basic salary of a professor is raised to N1.5m and the starting pay of an Assistant Lecturer to N350,000, it could help mitigate the mass exodus of talent from the country.
