NIGERIA AND THE PALAVER OF BRAIN DRAIN

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
21st November, 2023.

This period, in time to come is going to be considered one of the worst or darkest in the history of this country: a period when the best brains, in droves left the shores of this geographical entity called Nigeria in search of a better life.

The best brains are not alone in this race for a life befitting of a contemporary man. The young men endowed with bodily strength are also on the run. They have abandoned their nationality and are busy winning awards, medals and laurels in physical and sporting activities for their newly adopted countries. In Cameroon, a similar country to Nigeria, Breel Embolo, a 25-year-old Cameroonian born Swiss player scored against the Indomitable Lions in the 48th minute of their group G opener at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Embolo's goal against his original home country shattered the hearts of many Cameroonian youths such that they attempted to raze down his family house in Cameroon. Similarly, those who are not so blessed in the areas of mental and physical capabilities are not left out - they too have joined the band wagon to "japa". Nobody wants to live in an unsafe and insecure society; a society without hope and prospect.

Nigeria, without doubt is gravitating towards the Hobbesian state of nature where life is "solitary, nasty, brutish and short". Surviving in this country is extremely difficult. Movement has become hellacious owing to the activities of men of the underworld. Certain roads and areas have been identified as 'no go area' following the activities of kidnappers and terrorists. A certain woman, few years ago came into the country from abroad and, unfortunately fell into the hands of kidnappers who raped and abused her. While recounting her ordeal on National TV, she swore never to return to this country of villains. There are many like her who are not fortunate to share their experience. Food, which is considered the most basic need of life is gradually slipping out of the reach of many Nigerians. Life generally has become boring and uninteresting! A friend who recently moved to Singapore confessed to me that he almost died here in Nigeria as a result of depression because, despite his high position in his place of work, he could not feed well, pay his house rent and children's school fees. But up there, life is beautiful. Everything that makes life enjoyable is in place. Food is cheap and affordable. Data is almost free of charge. He told me that since he arrived that country about three months ago, power or light has not blinked. "It is as if I am already in paradise", he concluded excitedly.

One question that has continued to run through the minds of ordinary Nigerians is "why is it that our leaders who are familiar with life in these societies are reluctant to replicate what they see over there in our country?"

With everybody planning to leave this country in search of greener pastures, who will be left behind to build the country? Nobody!

In light of the above, the current leadership must find a way to avert the dark cloud looming over Nigeria. The country must be made attractive to keep its human capital from flying away to develop other climes.