'How Many Talents Have to Leave Before We Care?': Addressing the Issue of Brain Drain and Emigration in Nigeria

4 Pages Posted: 25 Aug 2023

Date Written: July, 2023

Abstract

“Japa” is the new buzzword among Nigerians today, which means to leave for greener pastures abroad. Over the years, Nigeria has lost some of its best talents to other developed countries due to challenges such as insecurity, mass poverty, unemployment, poor working conditions, and lack of quality education delivery. As a result, skilled professionals in the fields of medicine, law, science, and engineering are emigrating abroad for better paying jobs and other life support opportunities. Although brain drain is not a new issue in Nigeria, it has become a thing of concern in recent times due to the alarming rate at which young professionals leave the country. This “Japa” trend has serious implications on the Nigerian economy, especially in respect of the healthcare system and the general development of the nation. It is against this backdrop that this paper examines the trend of emigration of Nigerian professionals, the causative factors and effects of such emigration, and the required policy measures.

Keywords: Brain Drain, Mass Emigration, Skilled Professionals, Nigerian Policy Measures

Suggested Citation

Oyeleke, Morenike, 'How Many Talents Have to Leave Before We Care?': Addressing the Issue of Brain Drain and Emigration in Nigeria (July, 2023). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4533071 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4533071

Morenike Oyeleke (Contact Author)

University of Lagos ( email )

Akoka, Yaba,
Lagos, 100213
Nigeria

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