​This phenomenon has led to the popularization of a Yoruba word known as ‘japa’ ​(pronounced as Jakpa)

A record number of people are relocating abroad from their home countries. Many of these leavers are those with very good jobs and enviable career prospects.

It has been projected that the japa syndrome may persist as there are little or no indicators that Nigeria’s leadership will make any significant headway in terms of positive transformation-at least for now.

Therefore, the industry players are worried that this phenomenon may lead to poor quality of services if not addressed as competent hands are resigning their positions in telecom companies to seek greener pastures abroad.

Mr. Ajibola Olude, According to the Executive Secretary of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) over 2,000 telecom experts left the country this year (alone) and many are still in the process of leaving.

He made the claim while speaking at the NITRA ICT Growth Conference 2.0 held in Lagos recently.

Although, he did not present data to back up the claim, Mr. Olude however said this could begin to impact the quality of the telecom networks if there are fewer competent hands to handle network issues.

In his words: “While we have been talking about the problems of multiple taxations and the high cost of Right of Way in the telecoms sector, a new challenge is coming up and that is the issue of brain drain in telecoms. Many competent hands are leaving the country for greener pasture abroad. In the course of this year alone, over 2,000 have left and many are still going to leave. We have to do something; the government has to do something in this regard to encourage Nigerians to stay.

In his contribution, Mr. Chris Uwaje, the Chairman of Mobile Software Solutions Limited, called on the government to put in place the right infrastructure that can keep young Nigerians engaged and give them hope for a brighter future in the country.

Uwaje who chaired the conference said, “The government is currently blind with regard to the digital brain and is only concerned with revenue generation. Those who are ‘japaing’–I would want Nigerians to look for another word for the exodus of its human capital because it sounds like a joke but this is a serious issue—are leaving because the government has failed to provide the social infrastructure they need to survive.

“If Nigeria had built telecommunications knowledge Parks and put thousands of youths there, many of them can be working for foreign companies from there; that is outsourcing. They don’t have to run out of the country to work for foreigners. They will be doing that here and earning in foreign currencies. We need the government to build these Parks to encourage our young ones to stay.”

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The framework, Techeconomy gathered, is aimed at curbing the rising wave of brain drain (‘japa syndrome‘) affecting Nigeria’s public sector.

Announcing the initiative, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general, said the move is part of broader efforts to make public service roles more attractive and professionally rewarding.

He made the statement during the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja with the theme “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!”, at a session titled “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness”.

Representing the Director General of NITDA, Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, acting director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, explained that the initiative—developed in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation—aims to tackle the challenge of stagnant roles and the underutilisation of digital talent within government institutions.

“Highly skilled professionals are often stuck in roles that don’t reflect their expertise, while their counterparts in the private sector benefit from clear advancement paths and continuous training,” Inuwa explained.

The framework, already being implemented within NITDA, will be extended to other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). It provides structured career pathways and access to globally recognised certifications, enabling civil servants to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

In addition, NITDA has launched a Digital Champions Programme in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service. The initiative identifies top digital talents across MDAs and equips them with specialised training to lead innovation within their respective organisations.

“These champions will drive digital change from within, promoting efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation across government,” the DG added.

The initiatives come at a time when the country is grappling with a mass exodus of skilled professionals—commonly referred to as the “Japa” trend—driven by the pursuit of better career opportunities abroad.

He noted that by creating a more dynamic and rewarding work environment for ICT professionals, NITDA aims to reverse this trend and build a competent, future-ready public service. “We are committed to developing a digital civil service that retains talent, encourages growth, and drives national development,” the Inuwa stated.

Other speakers at the session include PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf (lead speaker), Kevin Cunnington and Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi.

The discussions were also centred around the rapidly evolving government landscape, driven by the imperative of digital transformation.

This involves not only adopting new technologies but fundamentally reimagining how governments operate, interact with citizens, and deliver services.

Success hinges on developing key skills within the civil service, robustly assessing capabilities, and making strategic changes to leverage public data effectively for more responsive and personalised outcomes.

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• “We are rapidly seeing Telecommunications companies (Telcos) becoming Technology companies, (Techcos)”
• More 5G commercialization
• Taxes and Incentives like the USPF should be amplified
• Investors need more reassurance from the government
• ‘japa syndrome’ to reduce

Tinuade Oguntuyi, an IT and Network Infrastructure expert, has predicted that more telecommunications companies (Telcos) would become metamorphosed to technology companies (Techcos); infusing cloud, cybersecurity, data analytics, ML, etc.), this year.

In a chat with Techeconomy, Tinuade who has spearheaded the design, deployment, and optimization of network solutions for over 30 telecom base stations across Nigeria, referenced the partnership between MTN and Cloudflare to elevate Africa’s cybersecurity landscape, as a pointer to more developments to expect in the industry this year.

In a significant collaboration set to redefine cybersecurity standards across Africa, MTN Converged Solutions and Cloudflare, a global leader in internet security and performance, have joined forces.

In the words of Tinuade (Women in Tech to Watch in 2025 nominee):

“We are rapidly seeing Telecommunications companies (Telcos) becoming Technology companies, (Techcos) infusing cloud, cybersecurity, data analytics, ML, etc.) as we saw towards the end of 2024 when MTN partnered with Cloudflare.

“This broadening of focus will enable telcos to become key players in the technology ecosystem, not just the telecommunications sector.

“Simply put, ‘Telco to Techco’ marks a strategic shift as telecommunications companies integrate more advanced tech capabilities to offer end-to-end digital solutions in 2025 and beyond

“We see 2025 as a year of more 5G commercialization especially as AI tools are empowering significant and explosive inventions

“No doubt, AI has come to stay, we are here for both exciting and challenging times, where more will be needed especially in fraud detection tools/mechanisms as AI exploits open doors for threats and strengthen the dark web, another rising concern is hyper-personalization, though it offers convenience, it also raises ethical questions related to privacy, data security, and the ‘filter bubble’ effect, where users are only exposed to ideas and content that align with their preferences, limiting diversity of thought”.

More investments

“Investors need to be sure they are coming into a terrain that has growth potential, with Nigeria’s macro economy significant challenges, we need a lot from the Government to address Inflation, monetary policies, and overall economic growth.

Lesser impacts of the ‘japa syndrome’ in the telecoms sector

‘Japa‘ is a seemingly expensive project these days, in my opinion, there will be fewer japa compared to initial post covid years but remote work will continue to have great numbers and what we are seeing is this – though people work physically here still takes up one or more remote jobs.

“Beyond japa, a trend I have observed is that the number of core telecom engineers – Network engineers, network architects, NOC Engineers, Telecoms engineers, etc. are diversifying into other core tech areas like Machine learning, DevOps, Cybersecurity, etc. while this move itself is great for telecoms industry, we still need quality talents in the other areas experiencing less attraction

Areas government shouldn’t downplay 

“Sure, especially in the area of taxation and tax incentives, although with the new tax reforms ongoing, we are hopeful there will be some improvements

“Ease of doing business, this can’t be overemphasized, companies especially Indigenous need a lot of support when it comes to forex, this has impacted the telecoms business posture, lately in the news you have seen several telco bodies calling for approval to hike prices of services and solutions. Sadly, we import almost everything we use for operations and developments, from hardware to software licenses – that tells you why there is so much bleeding in the sector as seen from financial reports

“Incentives like the USPF should be amplified, and support in infrastructure –power.

“Telcos should enjoy appropriate forex facilities like manufacturing, oil and gas, etc”, she added.

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Japa: 16,000 Doctors Left Nigeria in Five Years – Minister

While speaking at his investiture as the Chancellor of Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Imope-Ijebu, Ogun state, Afolabi said this mass migration of health professionals, especially doctors and nurses, out of Nigeria known as ‘japa’ (mass migration) has negatively affected the country’s health care delivery.

He said that the ugly trend must be frontally tackled by the government and further noted that aside from the provision of modern equipment and tools at public health facilities across the country to improve service rendered, priority attention must also be devoted to the welfare of these dispirited health professionals who are left in the country.

He said:

“Many of our competent medical hands have been lost to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia among other developed economies where sufficient encouragement in terms of remuneration, modern work tools, and a conducive working environment have been provided to attract talents from all over the world.

“This migration by young Nigerians has negatively affected almost every sector of the country, but it is safe to conclude that the health sector has been the biggest victim of this japa syndrome. The few doctors, nurses, and other health professionals that are left in the country are overworked and grossly underpaid when compared to their counterparts globally.

“This has negatively impacted the quality of services patients could access in our public health institutions.  Our governments, at all levels, need to be strategic and proactive in tackling this menace. Pay for health workers must be improved while a conducive environment that will make them thrive and be fulfilled professionally must be provided.”

Afolabi, who lauded the proprietor and management of the specialized institution for their foresight in establishing the university at a time the country needs to produce more quality health workers, said Gerar University of Medical Sciences has the capacity to become a reference point and a centre of excellence in medical education and research in the country.

Prof. Niyi Adetoro, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, said the new university will leverage technology and innovation to drive its vision, adding that the support of corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals will be required to support the university’s ambitious vision, which has necessitated an endowment fund of N500 million.

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In this interview with Tobi Adetunji, he spoke about opportunities and challenges associated with the quest for schooling overseas, the unpremeditated changes in policies of government, the foreign exchange (FX) challenges and the need to evaluate the opportunities, vis-a-vis the challenges before making any decision.

Can we meet you sir

My name is Awoyemi Olamide Jeremiah. I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Trail Business Travel Education and Consulting.  Our aims and objectives involve assisting students who want to study overseas, visa processing.

We also assist people with tourism or visitor visas, ticketing and hotel reservations, and we have had outstanding results in our dealings so far, with students from almost all of the universities on the seven continents.

How long have you been in Business (Educational Consulting)

Interestingly, I have been in the education consulting and travel business for seven years.

What has been your greatest challenge in helping people to secure admission into Universities abroad?

The challenges we faced so far in the industry are enormous.  But the last two years are not really encouraging; we have had to grapple with unpremeditated changes in immigration rules and fluctuating exchange rates impacting international students.  Of-course it reflects the dynamic nature of the industry.

The Governments of different countries are rolling out several policies that seems to be affecting Nigerians. Are there still opportunities to japa?     

Considering the evolving policies affecting Nigerians, there might still be opportunities abroad, but potential emigrants should carefully assess if it aligns with their goals given the challenges you’ve described.

As a Nigerian who needs ‘to do more’ in order to japa, does it worth it?

The unstable exchange rate really adds insult to injury, or complexity to the business environment. Balancing the benefits against the challenges requires careful consideration.

What’s your general advice to the youth who want to japa?  

For the youth aspiring to “japa,” it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons, considering the current economic conditions and immigration policies. A thoughtful and informed decision is key before embarking on such a journey.

The post New Immigration Policies will Affect ‘japa’ Trends – Awoyemi Olamide appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Of these applications, 15,113 have reportedly been approved for biometric capture and production, which is fifty per cent of the total application, according to Vanguard report.

The increase in passport applications has been attributed to the rush (japa) by Nigerians to leave the country for greener pasture.

The summary of passports applications for the year 2024 was provided by Caroline Adepoju, the comptroller-general of Immigration Service, who was on a visit to Ikoyi and Alausa passport offices, yesterday, to see how things were working, regarding the introduction of the automated passport application process.

Briefing journalists at the end of the assessment, the Immigration boss said of the 32,462 applications, 11,505 were awaiting approval, while 3,406 who made payment were yet to book appointments.

According to her, 1,438 applications were queried for various reasons.

Adepoju said: “50 per cent of the total applications have been successfully approved for biometric capture, production and issuance, 35 per cent awaits approval, 11 per cent made payments but yet to book appointments and only four per cent of total applications were queried.

“When queries are successfully answered, the applications return to the queue and are subsequently approved for biometric acquisition, production and issuance”.

Adepoju, who noted that the introduction of the automation of passport applications was not new, clarified that further: “The major difference now is that supporting documents are now uploaded online. It is a research-based decision and we have been recording successes.

“As of this morning (yesterday), we have only recorded four per cent rejection of uploaded documents which may be due to errors on the side of the applicant. But our help desk is operational 24/7.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service, our technical partners, service providers and other stakeholders worked together with the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to come up with this reform on the automation of passport process which has been in place since the inception of the issuance of enhanced e-passport in 2020.”

She explained that the automation of passport application was aimed, among other benefits, at easing the application process and reducing human interface which had been a major complaint from applicants who had been extorted by touts during application.

The Immigration boss called on Nigerians to be patient and allow the NIS to ensure the perfection of the process.

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This not only affects the present but casts a shadow on the future of the young minds, discouraging their zeal to thrive in their homeland.

The growing sense of limitation often pushes them towards the idea of leaving, a phenomenon termed ‘Japa’ in Nigeria. However, amidst these challenges, individuals are rising to challenge the status quo, pushing forward the understanding that one can succeed wherever he or she finds themselves and clearing a brighter path for the youth of Nigeria. 

At the forefront of this is Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, the Executive Director of Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF). With unyielding determination and a passion for empowering young minds, Prof. is reshaping the landscape of consumer rights advocacy and education in Nigeria.

“Our pursuit is to increase awareness and defend consumer rights, through rigorous research and policy analysis on key consumer issues, across different sectors, advocacy, education, and legal representation, while running three other companies, Anyworkman Services- a tech-enabled artisan management company, Sources Resources Logistics and Consulting company and 12Wells Hub,” she explained.

With an apt understanding of the limitations faced by the youth, Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor’s work at CADEF addresses the gaps in the sector, providing the youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex world of business and technology. Her initiatives impart essential skills and also instill a sense of confidence, inspiring young individuals to believe in their potential despite the challenges they face.

This is evident in the influential work that shines through the FinGreen project. This initiative focused on recruiting, assessing, and tracking participants’ performance to monitor their learning outcomes. Through interactive workshops and a train-the-trainer approach, 25 FinGreen ambassadors were empowered, who then trained over 750 youths in crucial financial principles. 

The peer-to-peer module not only imparted practical insights into budgeting, savings, credit, investment, fraud awareness, and entrepreneurship but also cultivated informed decision-making and mindset adjustments.

Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor’s journey in education and advocacy spans over three decades, where her expertise as an educator, information technology expert, serial entrepreneur, software developer, motivational speaker, and author has made a significant impact.

She has a strong background, holding an MBA, MPA, and Ed. D, a professor in Business and Information Technology, a Dean, Department Chair, curriculum designer, author, speaker, and even a Co-Principal Investigator for a National Science Foundation grant.

Under her guidance, CADEF has emerged as a force to reckon with, tirelessly working to empower individuals and groups, fostering autonomy and self-determination economically and socially. Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor’s expertise extends globally, having worked with organizations in the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, enhancing their capacity through strategic design and training.

One of her significant achievements includes being the Co-Principal Investigator for a National Science Foundation grant aimed at developing a coordinated regional IT education and workforce development system in Boston, MA. This project focused on attracting talented students to IT careers, promoting lifelong learning of IT skills, and supporting the workforce needs of the region’s IT companies.

Challenges

As a youth empowerment and SME strategist, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor has faced challenges head-on. She navigates through ineffective systems and bureaucracy with patience and education, utilizing technology as a solution. Her advice for aspiring professionals: “Never stop learning, read something every day, and never believe the word can’t. Remember that amidst chaos lies a solution waiting to be identified and developed.”

Through her tireless effort, dedication, expertise, and passion, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor is transforming lives and continues to inspire and uplift, reshaping the narrative for the youth of Nigeria. Her work at CADEF is laying a path filled with confidence, knowledge, and the promise of a better tomorrow. 

As the Executive Director of CADEF, Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor continues to inspire young minds, instilling in them the belief that they can thrive and succeed wherever they find themselves, fostering a generation of empowered individuals ready to face the future with strong confidence.

The post Meet Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor: Empowering Minds, Transforming Futures and Reducing the ‘Japa’ Impact on Youths appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Most respondents said the Nigerian Dream is to get an international passport and Japa (a colloquial word to describe the trend of young and talented Nigerians leaving the country for better opportunities abroad) at all costs.

Another dominant response was that the Nigerian Dream is to secure a slice of the national cake and enrich themselves and their family at the expense of the rest of the country. Other comments were along the lines of the Nigerian Dream being to “better pass my neighbour,” implying a sense of competition or envy among neighbours who compare their living standards.

Frankly, I thought the answers were ridiculous until I pondered the question and quickly discovered there was no single Nigerian Dream articulated and deliberately sold to generations of Nigerians to incubate their aspirations and see themselves as part of a national project that is larger than them.

I am privileged to have the opportunity to travel around the world quite often. I have observed that citizens of many developed societies were born and raised into a shared national ideal that fuels their individual aspirations and helps them see the bigger picture and how their actions contribute to the building or destruction of their nation. One country has its people believe that anything is possible within their land; that anybody from anywhere can become somebody through sheer will and hard work. No ‘connections’ are needed. This principle attracts people from all over the world, including Nigeria, who are persuaded that they will make it in that country.

In the absence of such an ideal in Nigeria, citizens frame variegated, often self-centred and conflicting goals detrimental to national harmony, patriotism, and development. However, this is not a citizen problem.

It is a leadership gap that has gone unaddressed for decades, breeding pervasive cynicism among Nigerians.

“To build a nation where peace and justice reigns” ends the second verse of our national anthem, and I reckon, could be a good anchor for a national dream that represents the shared goals, values, and aspirations of Nigerians, serving as a unifying force, guiding the nation’s efforts, and shaping its future direction. But peace and justice have eluded Nigerians.

Democracy was supposed to help usher in a national dream that encompasses ideals of progress, prosperity, equality, and societal well-being for Nigerians because democracy is a government of the people, by the people, for the people. Nigerians do not believe they are in a democracy, and the just-concluded elections proved as much. Widespread voter suppression, ethnic baiting, flagrant results manipulations, and the usurpation of the clear will of the people have deepened the disillusionment Nigerians feel about their country. People are abandoning their fatherland to “japa” abroad.

Almost daily, young Nigerians place a demand on me to pray for them as they relocate to other climes: incredibly talented professionals and students who could have helped shape and build a progressive Nigeria. Countries with an established national dream have gained them. If there was a Nigerian Dream those young Nigerians connected to that powers their aspirations and that the Nigerian state is actively building and promoting, they would be here making sure it is realised against all odds. Because we have none of that, we lose people, skills, innovation, and progress!

Will our leaders ask themselves, “What is the Nigerian Dream?” Will they create one that is inclusive and draws on the strength of our diversity to propose a united and progressive nation every Nigerian feels proud of and loyal to? Will it be business as usual? And will Nigeria continue to be a country where anything goes, and everybody looks to bleed until it can no longer sustain any form of life? This democracy day should be a time of reflection, especially for our political leaders.

No country develops without a national dream that reflects the people’s hopes and aspirations and provides a sense of purpose and identity for the nation.

Nigerians are resilient and have a strong “can do” spirit. We need to design a national ideal that nurtures their strength and helps them channel their grit and excellence to endeavours that move the country forward. As we step into a new political dispensation, I urge the leaders to rethink the Nigerian idea and propose a Nigerian Dream that restores faith in our democracy, fuels our aspirations and devotion to the nation, guides our economic development, social justice, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and technological advancements, and inspires future generations.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians. May our democracy flourish and may Nigeria prosper.

Godman Akinlabi is a preacher, author, and leadership expert inspiring individuals, organisations, and governments to attain their potential.

The post What is the Nigerian Dream? | by Godman Akinlabi appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

“Everything is set. My eyes are glued to the clock. and I can’t wait to start a new life, “the 35-year-old man said in a chat. 

Some companies in Nigeria are likely to lose some of their staff as fresh academic sessions in UK and US universities kick-off, TechEconomy understands. 

The US and the UK education systems offer three admission cycles for universities and colleges. In the US, it’s (fall, spring, and summer). While in the UK, it’s (autumn, spring, and summer). 

The fall (US), which is autumn in the UK, is the semester when the majority of students begin their degree programs, usually between the end of August and early September. This is also the period in which most Nigerians leave the country. 

Checks by TechEconomy on the University of Portsmouth in the UK reveal that the autumn term begins 12 September–16 December; spring (3 January–31 March 2023) and summer (17 April–21 July 2023). Similarly, the fall term at Indiana University-Bloomington in the US starts on August 22. 

Opinions 

Reacting to this development, George Iwo, Chief Executive Officer at Pegis Global Services Limited, said: “I recently saw a complaint that many Nigerian businesses will soon begin losing important staff members since school is set to start again across Europe and America.” 

He said Nigerian youths leave the country every day in search of a better life, and for many people, obtaining a study visa is the simplest way to travel abroad. “And lots of young people are profiting from that.” 

According to Aleksander Oshodi, Geological Advisor, Consultant Geoscientist, and Project Manager, many businesses in Nigeria are run by traders, not businessmen, who underpay their staff, treat them unfairly, and make them work unnecessary hours.

“They make you work unnecessary hours within very short timelines on projects because the person giving a six-month project wants it in 2 months and the person bidding does not want to lose the opportunity. 

Oshodi said if a member of staff contributes to the growth of the business, he or she is seen as a threat by his superiors, adding that there is no small-to-medium business that has a training program or package for its staff. 

“Very few have legit licenses to propriety software and hence can’t work with international companies regarding training and after-sales services. When you choose to leave for a better place, all they do is sabotage your future when the new company asks for references. 

“Let’s not talk about the sexual harassment of staff, both male and female; the unfair treatment of the physically challenged and pregnant women. That’s why when I hear people complain about the government, I laugh.”

Oshodi said that the atrocities committed within the Nigerian labor market by traders (employers) who have no core values or principles should have caused a riot. 

“To survive the hardship in the country, a daily dose of hostility and unfair work practices is ok.” 

Opposing Views

Those that want to complain can keep complaining. Those that want to Japa can Japa. But some of us won’t go anywhere,” Lukeman Olayiwola, Chairman, Olo Industries Limited & Olo Engineering Limited,” said in response to the issue. 

We have had all manner of governments in this country, both military and civilian. Isn’t it insane for anyone to still be looking to the government to fix this country? 

It’s up to Nigerians to evolve the type of country that they want and not just to outsource responsibilities to the government and expect anything to change.

He said all the challenges besetting Nigeria ought to be turned into opportunities by Nigerians, especially the educated elites.

Nigerians need to read the history of European countries, the USA, Japan, and many other developed countries. They have all gone through very challenging times, but the citizens of those countries turned those challenges into opportunities.

“In this same country that many are complaining about, a few Babcock university graduates came together to form Paystack less than 7 years ago and grew it to become a $200m+ business.

“We will keep asking ourselves in respect of what we can do with or without the government.” Yes, success is not guaranteed. But we will derive satisfaction from the fact that we tried to make a difference. 

Japa and its Implications

Japa means traveling abroad via relocation or scholarship. ​​Or to seek greener pastures in a foreign land. On a serious note, it means running away from a disastrous event.

Nigeria has witnessed a surge in the number of Nigerians immigrating to Canada, the US, the UK, the UAE, and basically any country that would grant them entry in the last 5 years. 

Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of the Interior, last week said 650,000 booklets were collected by Nigerians as of June 2022, out of a total of 1.3 million given in 2021. And many more Nigerians are still applying for international passports. 

Those who are traveling out of Nigeria also include highly talented and skilled individuals like professionals. It is easier for them to leave due to the demand for their skills in the western world. 

For instance – as of 2020, Nigeria had a doctor-patient ratio of 1:2,753, in sharp contrast to the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s minimum recommended ratio of 1:400 or 600. The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has said more than 100 of its members have left the country in the past 24 months.

On the flip side, a report by PwC Nigeria estimated that in 2018, 1.24 million Nigerians living abroad made remittances back to Nigeria to the tune of $25 billion. 

This amount accounted for over a third of migrant remittance flows to Sub-Saharan Africa and represented some 6.1% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. 

In the meantime, remittances by Nigerians in the diaspora have been projected to increase rapidly.

Conclusion 

Nigeria has all the potential to become a first-world country if, as a matter of urgency, attention is paid to improving human development and capacity building. 

In 2022, within a single number scale of 0 and 1.0, Nigeria’s HDI was 0.534, below the minimum of 0.55, which places us within the LDC (least developed countries) zone of the world.

The Human Development Index is a statistical tool used to measure a country’s overall achievement in its social and economic dimensions. The social and economic dimensions of a country are based on the health of people, their level of educational attainment, and their standard of living.

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