In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in emigration, commonly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon, with professionals and students leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. This trend is largely driven by economic challenges, deteriorating living conditions, and the decline in healthcare and education quality within Nigeria.
Top Destinations for Nigerian Emigrants
In the United Kingdom, there were 32,945 Nigerian students studying in higher education institutions during the 2021-22 academic year, a notable increase from 14,270 in the previous year.
This surge places Nigeria as the third-largest non-EU source of international students in the UK, behind only China and India.HESA data shows that in total, the UK hosted 679,970 international students, with 559,825 from non-EU countries.
Among these, Nigerian students represent a growing demographic, signaling a trend of highly skilled individuals pursuing education in the UK.Canada has also seen a substantial increase in Nigerian migration, with over 15,000 Nigerians obtaining permanent residency in 2022 through the Express Entry program, which attracts skilled workers.
The United States continues to be a leading destination for Nigerian students, with over 13,000 enrolled in American institutions in 2021-22, making Nigeria the top African source of international students in the US.
Healthcare Sector: A Critical Loss of Talent
Nigeria’s healthcare sector has been one of the hardest hit by the “Japa” phenomenon, as thousands of healthcare professionals leave the country for better opportunities abroad. In the UK alone, over 11,000 Nigerian-trained doctors are now practicing, according to the UK’s General Medical Council (GMC).
This exodus has left Nigeria with a severe shortage of medical professionals, with the country’s doctor-to-patient ratio now standing at 1 doctor per 5,000 patients, well below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended ratio of 1 doctor per 600 patients. The result is an overburdened healthcare system that is unable to meet the needs of the population, further prompting professionals and citizens alike to seek healthcare abroad.
Unemployment and Job Opportunities Abroad
Another key driver of Nigerian emigration is the lack of job opportunities at home. Nigeria’s unemployment rate stood at 33.3% in 2022, with youth unemployment even higher at 42.5%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). For many young Nigerians, this lack of opportunities has made staying in the country untenable.
In contrast, countries like the UK, Canada, and the US actively seek skilled Nigerian professionals to fill gaps in their healthcare, tech, and engineering sectors. This demand abroad, coupled with favorable immigration policies such as Canada’s Express Entry program and the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa, has made relocation an attractive option for Nigerians who feel stifled by the local economy.
Currency Depreciation:
- The Nigerian naira has seen significant depreciation, with the exchange rate against the US dollar falling from ₦360/$1 in 2020 to nearly ₦1600/$1 in 2024.
- This has eroded the purchasing power of many Nigerians, making imported goods, education, and healthcare more expensive, and contributing to the desire for relocation.
The Impact of Emigration on Nigeria
The ongoing emigration trend, while beneficial to individuals, is creating a critical brain drain that threatens Nigeria’s development. With more professionals, particularly in healthcare and technology, leaving the country, key sectors are being weakened. The Nigerian government has struggled to address this exodus, with few concrete policies in place to retain talent or incentivize the return of professionals from abroad.
While the Nigerian diaspora continues to contribute to the economy through remittances, sending over $20 billion annually according to World Bank data, this is not enough to offset the loss of skilled workers. The long-term impact of this brain drain could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s growth and ability to compete in the global economy.
A Balance for the Future
As more Nigerians relocate abroad in search of better opportunities, it becomes crucial for the Nigerian government to find a balance between supporting those who wish to seek better lives and creating an environment that encourages professionals to stay. A comprehensive national strategy is needed to address the economic and social issues driving emigration while engaging with the diaspora to foster development and growth at home.
