International Education and Brain Drain: A Case Study of Nigerians in Canada

This Masters Research Paper investigates the factors that influence international students from Nigeria to stay back in Canada after their studies, instead of returning to Nigeria to join in the task of nation building. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 10 Nigerians (5 males and 5 females) who completed their studies in Canada during the past ten years, and who proceeded to apply for permanent resident status in Canada. Interview results show that the most critical factor that discourages these Nigerians from going back to their country after their studies in Canada is bad governance/corruption. Other factors include a lack of employment opportunities and a lack of well-functioning infrastructures in Nigeria. This study has significant implications for the Nigerian government and other development partners on how to motivate graduating students to return to Nigeria, and hopefully curb the incidence of brain drain and its baneful consequences on the economic development of the country. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for stakeholders such as the Nigerian government and other development partners on how to address the issue of brain drain.