Migration of Nigerian Medical Students to Practice Abroad

Despite having one of the largest health stock of human resources in Africa, and producing an annual estimate of 2000 – 2300 medical graduates, Nigeria continues to experience the “brain drain” challenge as a result of many medical graduates seeking ‘greener pastures' in developed nations overseas. The migration of Nigerian medical students to practice abroad has become an issue of concern in the health sector. Therefore, this study explores the factors influencing this migration, drawing on observation, and interviews with medical students, doctors, health consultants, and stakeholders. As discovered from the findings of this qualitative study, inadequate funding, poor remuneration, insecurity, limited residency opportunities, substandard infrastructure, and unfavorable work environments are the major reasons for the migration. Although, the Nigerian government has overtime, promised policy interventions, and also made some efforts to purchase training equipment, but these seem to be inadequate in comparison to the benefits offered by foreign health systems. Consultants and senior practitioners could not but admit to the fact the work condition of medical doctors have significantly deteriorated over the years; which they described as a ‘generational gap”. The study recommends that comprehensive reforms, including improved salaries, better infrastructure, enhanced security, and increased investment in medical education and health systems are required to reverse the trend. The study concludes that Nigerian medical students may be more willing to remain and contribute to national development rather than seeking greener pastures abroad if these challenges are addressed.