From Brain-Gain to Brain-Drain: Analyzing Emigration Drivers in Nigeria and the Socio-economic Implications for Future Development

Abstract

Brain-drain occurs when highly educated and skilled people leave their home nations for greater chances abroad. Over the years, Nigeria, a developing nation with major socio-economic issues, has lost a significant portion of its workforce. People leave Nigeria for lack of jobs, inadequate infrastructure, unpredictable governmental administration, and uncompetitive wages and benefits. The loss of qualified personnel hinders the country's ability to supply basic services, innovate, and grow economically, hurting healthcare, education, and economic development. Nigeria needs job wage and service standards reform to stop brain drain. This includes improving domestic employment, education, research and development, and investment and entrepreneurship. Scholarship, mentorship, and professional development initiatives may also reduce brain drain by encouraging skilled people to stay or return to Nigeria.