Nigeria’s Brain Drain Conundrum: A Call To Action

As we deal with the multiplex of our minds and call to heart the things that should be in the most definite ways, it is indeed beyond the questions of hope and endeavors. Some people appear to be losing faith in the country and their attitudes are showing that.

Beyond this, at the other side of this long table will be questions; aching hearts and searching eyes, and the solemn ideas of what exactly they are trying to be or where they can get to lead a better life. Amid these pains are people; hearts, and heads, and the numbers are constantly increasing as more questions are popping up from the distant shadows like silhouettes coming to life face to face with the cold realities of the entirely aching nation with no one willing to pick up the pieces. So here are the biggest catches; beyond the questions are questioners – people who have come along with a cumulative experience, adversity from childhood or something picked at adulthood. Most times, these people are often with value-laden and hurt-laden struggles which have shaped their current habits and the necessities of letting go are not so visible. This is the system. This has nothing to do with motivation or willpower, but the loss of faith in the institution and the necessity to find a better place to live and thrive.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of the continent’s largest economies, is often lauded for its abundant natural resources and rich cultural heritage. However, beneath this veneer lies a deeply troubling phenomenon – brain drain. The term “brain drain” refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from one country to another in search of better opportunities. In Nigeria, this trend has reached alarming proportions, with thousands of professionals, particularly in the medical, academic, and technological sectors, leaving the country annually. This exodus has far-reaching consequences, not only for Nigeria’s economic development but also for its social stability and future growth prospects.

The lack of opportunities for many talented Nigerians has led to a significant diaspora across Europe and America. The failure to provide an environment where people can fully realise their potential has exacerbated the challenges of brain drain and migration, contributing to the country’s ongoing development struggles. Our universities have suffered from poor government policies, leading to a decline in quality and prestige. Studying abroad, even in neighbouring countries like Ghana and Benin Republic, has become a status symbol. In the medical field, a significant number of Nigerian doctors and nurses now practice in the United Kingdom, while our leaders, unable or unwilling to fix the healthcare system at home, seek medical treatment abroad.

One of the primary drivers of brain drain in Nigeria is the country’s deteriorating economic conditions. Despite being one of the largest oil producers in the world, Nigeria has been unable to translate its natural wealth into broad-based prosperity.

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A second major cause of brain drain is the inadequate state of infrastructure and public services in Nigeria. Healthcare, education, and power supply are critical sectors that have suffered from years of neglect, under-funding, and corruption. The healthcare sector, for example, is in a state of crisis, with many hospitals lacking basic equipment and supplies. This has prompted a mass exodus of medical professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, to countries where they can work in better conditions.

According to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), as of 2021, about 10,000 Nigerian doctors were practicing in the United States alone, with thousands more in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries.

A third factor contributing to brain drain is the pervasive insecurity in Nigeria. The country has been grappling with various forms of violence, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts, for over a decade.

Many professionals, especially those with young families, feel compelled to leave the country for safer environments. The tragic abduction of over 270 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014 and the regular reports of attacks on schools, churches, and villages, highlight the extent of the insecurity. In response, many Nigerians have sought asylum or emigrated to countries where they feel their safety is assured.

The mass exodus of skilled professionals from Nigeria has severe consequences for the country’s development. One of the most immediate and visible impacts is the decline in the quality of public services. In the healthcare sector, the departure of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals has left many hospitals understaffed and unable to provide adequate care to patients.

In the academic sector, the story of Professor Olufunmilayo Olopade, a renowned Nigerian-born oncologist and geneticist, is a telling example. After completing her medical training in Nigeria, she moved to the United States, where she became a leading researcher in cancer genetics and personalized medicine. Her work has had a significant impact on the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in women of African descent. While her achievements are a source of pride for Nigeria, they also underscore the loss of talent that could have contributed to the development of medical research and education within the country.

Addressing the issue of brain drain in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both the push and pull factors driving emigration. Policymakers must first focus on improving the economic conditions within the country. This involves creating an enabling environment for businesses, reducing unemployment, and ensuring that wages are competitive with those in other countries. Economic reforms should also include measures to stabilize the currency, control inflation, and attract foreign investment. By improving the economic prospects within Nigeria, the government can make staying in the country a more attractive option for professionals.

– Osadolor writes from Abuja