Migration encompasses the act of individuals relocating from one region to another with the intention of establishing themselves in a new locale.
This migration can be categorized as either voluntary or involuntary, and its motivations are multifaceted, encompassing economic, environmental, and social factors.
In contemporary times, a substantial number of Nigerians are choosing to embark on migration journeys in search of improved living conditions.
A study conducted by a consulting firm has unveiled that 52 percent of Nigerian professionals are contemplating the prospect of moving abroad, with destinations like the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada, and the United States topping their lists.
Amid this exodus of Nigerian elites, various factors serve as the driving forces behind their decisions:
1. Economic Aspirations: A survey conducted by Afrobarometer in 2018 revealed that a significant portion of Nigerians, particularly the younger and more educated demographic, aspires to relocate to foreign nations.
Their primary objective is to seek employment opportunities, both within and outside the African continent.
Many express a desire to migrate to regions such as the Middle East, the USA, Europe, America, and Asia.
This migration is largely propelled by the socio-economic conditions in Nigeria, coupled with high unemployment rates. Astonishingly, 51 percent of Nigerian migrants possess tertiary education qualifications.
Notably, more than half of the 72,000 doctors registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) practice their profession outside the country.
2. Career Advancement: Elite Nigerians frequently choose to work abroad for extended periods, seeking international exposure to enhance their careers. Some migrate because their skills are in high demand in other countries, offering them greater professional opportunities.
3. Access to Better Healthcare: The year 2021 saw a report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers disclosing that an average of 500 Nigerians travel abroad each month in pursuit of medical treatment.
A growing trend is emerging where individuals migrate to foreign lands for various healthcare services, including birthing, IVF procedures, and cosmetic surgeries. This is often due to better healthcare management, access to health insurance, and subsidized medical services in destination countries.
Despite healthcare being a fundamental right for all Nigerian citizens, it is increasingly becoming exclusive to the affluent while less reliable for the middle class. Consequently, middle and upper-class Nigerians aspire to receive medical care abroad, including childbirth and medical procedures.
4. Family and Love: Migration is also driven by the desire to reunite with loved ones. Partners often invite their significant others to join them in a new country, and many migrants create opportunities for their family members to visit or settle in their host countries.
5. Educational Pursuits: A substantial number of Nigerian youths choose to study abroad, and this remains one of the primary reasons for immigration.
They pursue higher education opportunities that are economically more viable and not adequately available within Nigeria.
This migration for educational purposes is partly a response to challenges in the domestic education system, including frequent strikes and a suboptimal curriculum. Additionally, studying abroad opens doors to better employment opportunities upon returning to Nigeria or when choosing to remain in their host countries.
UNESCO reports indicate that 71,753 Nigerian students are currently studying abroad, emphasizing the significance of educational migration.
