The number of Nigerians exiting the country on a daily basis is becoming alarming. As at the last count, double of the hundreds of thousands that have shifted base, are also planning to leave.
The silent exodus of skilled and semi-skilled professionals from Nigeria to more developed countries is reaching dangerous proportions, painting a bleak picture for the nation’s future.
Beyond the individuals seeking better opportunities, the concern lies in the potential vacuum these departures create in critical sectors, leading to a looming economic crisis if not addressed promptly.
While it’s easy to criticize those leaving for contributing to the brain drain, it’s crucial to acknowledge the systemic issues that have plagued the socio-economic and political landscape.
No doubts, the driving force behind this exodus is often tied systemic corruption, a cancer eating away at the core of the country and pushing its best minds toward foreign shores.
The Emigration Challenge
For many skilled Nigerians, the decision to leave is a response to economic indicators that offer little promise for the future. Economic hardships, underdevelopment, political instability, insecurity, and systemic corruption act as catalysts propelling these professionals to seek greener pastures abroad.
For others, an opportunity to skill up or stirr their well of knowledge whether by acquiring a Bachelors degree, a masters or PhD.
However, contrary to the assumption that migrating to developed countries is a straightforward process, the reality is financially demanding.
Recent statistics reveal a staggering exodus of over 235,000 Nigerians in the last two years, with 57% being skilled workers heading to countries like the UK, US, and Canada.
In the first quarter of 2023 alone, more than 8,400 medical personnel left Nigeria for the UK, leaving the healthcare system at a critical ratio of one doctor to approximately 100,000 patients.
This trend extends to other sectors, including education, ICT, science, media, and aviation, as skilled workers opt to hone their skills abroad.
The Escalating Concerns
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors conducted a survey in January 2023, revealing that over 2,000 doctors left the country in 2022.
At this rate, Nigeria is poised to surpass Pakistan as the country with the second-highest number of foreign-trained doctors in the UK.
Ibrahim Musa, a concerned citizen, urges the leadership to awaken to the reality of losing Nigeria’s best minds to more developed societies.
His sentiments echo those of the Vice President of the Nigeria Medical Association, who fears the dire consequences for the country’s economy if the brain drain persists.
The Implications of Brain Drain
Beyond the immediate loss of valuable human resources, brain drain widens the expertise gap, affecting the quality of services and innovation across sectors. To counter this escalating crisis, urgent action is needed.
The fight against corruption must take center stage, with transparent and merit-based systems implemented to create an environment conducive to professional growth.
The Nigerian government and stakeholders must prioritize providing opportunities for development, fostering empathy on national matters, and dismantling mindless bigotry.
In the face of this imminent crisis, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The battle against corruption and the creation of an enabling environment for professionals are not mere options; they are the last chance for the nation to salvage its best hands and secure a sustainable future.
Written by David Ihejirika
