Nigeria’s House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the escalating rate at which lecturers and academic professionals are resigning and leaving the country’s universities in search of better working conditions abroad. Lawmakers have described the situation as a threat to the future of education in Nigeria, warning that if immediate action is not taken, the nation’s tertiary education system might collapse beyond repair.
The issue was brought before the lower chamber during a plenary session where lawmakers deliberated on what many now call an academic evacuation crisis. Reports indicate that hundreds of lecturers from universities across the country have, in recent months, relocated abroad, particularly to Europe, Asia, and North America, where salaries, research funding, academic infrastructure, and working environments are significantly more favorable.
Lawmakers Lament Worsening Brain Drain in Education Sector
Speaking during the motion, members of the House noted that the mass exit of lecturers was not just a matter of personal choice but a direct result of years of poor remuneration, inadequate funding, and neglect of the Nigerian academic system. They stressed that university teaching staff are among the lowest-paid professionals in the country, despite their level of expertise, training, and intellectual commitment.
According to lawmakers, many lecturers now struggle to meet basic living expenses, leading to frustration, low morale, and a large number opting to relocate or switch careers entirely.
Strike Actions, Poor Facilities, and Lack of Research Support Identified as Key Drivers
Lawmakers also lamented the poor state of infrastructure in many universities. Several campuses are reported to lack standard lecture halls, research equipment, reliable internet access, and modern libraries—conditions which significantly limit the quality of teaching and learning.
Furthermore, frequent strike actions over unpaid allowances and unfulfilled agreements between the Federal Government and lecturers’ unions have worsened the situation. These disruptions not only affect students but also diminish professional fulfillment among lecturers.
A lawmaker emphasized that Nigeria cannot aspire to global competitiveness when its educational system remains underfunded and its brightest minds are fleeing.
Students Bear the Brunt as Academic Standards Decline
With experienced lecturers leaving, many universities have been forced to rely on fewer teaching staff, often resulting in overcrowded classes and reduced supervision for research projects. Several academic departments now struggle to find qualified professors to head faculties or supervise postgraduate students.
Students in specialized fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Computer Science are particularly affected, as these courses require high-level instruction and mentorship.
Education analysts warn that the continued decline in academic manpower may lead to a generation of poorly trained graduates, weakening Nigeria’s global competitiveness in science, technology, industry, and governance.
Reps Call for Urgent Intervention
To address the crisis, lawmakers have called on the Federal Government to:
- Increase lecturers’ salaries and review remuneration policies in line with global standards
- Improve funding for research, laboratories, and academic infrastructure
- Honor agreements with academic unions to promote industrial peace
- Provide incentives to discourage lecturers from relocating abroad
- Strengthen university autonomy to allow institutions manage resources more effectively
Lawmakers also requested a comprehensive audit of lecturer resignations across universities to enable informed policy action.
Stakeholders Say Time Is Running Out
Education experts have warned that Nigeria is reaching a critical point. If the government delays reforms further, rebuilding the academic workforce may become extremely difficult and expensive.
They stress that developed nations benefit directly from Nigeria’s brain drain, gaining highly skilled educators and researchers at no training cost to themselves.
Meanwhile, parents and students have expressed anxiety, noting that the continued decline of university education could push more young Nigerians to seek schooling abroad, further worsening foreign exchange pressure.
