Impact Of Brain Drain On Economic Growth In Nigeria Impact Of Brain Drain On Economic Growth In Nigeria

Abstract

The outflow of most qualified and competent individuals from less developed countries especially Nigeria to developed nations has become a source of worry in recent times among scholars as well as concern individuals, as the trend has continued to deprive Nigeria of its best human resources. Given this backdrop, this study examines the causes, effects, and implications of brain drain on the economic development of Nigeria. The situation in Nigeria alarming, thus, there is a need for urgent action by the Nigeria leaders to address this problem as the consequences of brain drain threaten to stunt the overall development of the country. Meanwhile, this study hints that enduring economic growth cannot be realized in the absence of professional, expertise, entrepreneurial and managerial skills as well as investment in the real sector of the Nigeria economy. The paper discovered a negative relationship between brain drain, remittance, and economic growth. However, there is a positive correlation between human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends the following policies as antidotes to the problem of brain drain in the Nigeria. That policymakers need to put in place sufficient incentives and mechanisms through which migrants and their families can invest remittances in capital-accumulation projects that would benefit the whole economy, government officials should be banned from using public resources for overseas medical trips, There’s need to increase the number of doctors in Nigeria to carter for the ever increasing population of patient. Again, Nigerian government should create programs that can enable youths to discover their potentials. Conclusively, there is need for conducive environment to motivate workers in the working places. Health facilities should be provided in Nigeria to enable Nigerian Doctors practice their profession optimally, effectively and efficiently, remunerations of professionals should be competitive along with what obtainable in developed countries in the world. Medical trips to overseas must be checkmated by the Nigeria government, this can only be allowed if the health facilities and our local doctors cannot provide immediate solutions to the health problems of Nigeria, training and retraining of young and old doctors in Nigeria should be put in place, all other professional such as engineering, lecturing and teaching must be seriously supported and funded by all levels of government in Nigeria.