Impact of Mass Migration of Youths to Foreign Countries on the Rate of Unemployment in Nigeria
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively examine the impact of mass migration of Nigerian youths to foreign countries, known as The Japa Syndrome, on the rate of unemployment in Nigeria. Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following:
- To quantify the extent of youth migration under The Japa Syndrome and analyze the demographic characteristics of migrant youths.
- To assess the implications of youth migration on the domestic labor market.
- To investigate the brain drain effect resulting from the emigration of Nigeria’s educated and skilled workforce.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Unemployment and Economy Instability
Other causes of emigration in Nigeria identified in the literature are economic issues and youth unemployment. The literature by Rufai et al. (2019) reveals that the average household in Nigeria lives under 2 dollars a day. The article also mentioned that Nigeria suffers from high unemployment among its youth. Furthermore, as a result of poor economic conditions in Nigeria, youths invest in emigration to search for better opportunities (Rufai et al., 2019: 2). Furthermore, the research by these scholars reveals that the high level of unemployment in Nigeria affects both young females and males, and it affects most the newly graduated. It was presented in the research by Oreofe and Eyitayo (2022) that the issue of unemployment in Nigeria has not been taken seriously in the political debate; thus, lack of employment and poverty lead high-skilled Nigerians to invest in emigration (p, 5). Similarly, in the research of Rufai et al. (2019), the scholars stated that the high demand for labor in the international labor market and the shortage of work in Nigeria has made emigration an attraction to skilled and even unskilled youths, which lead both genders to invest in emigration (Rufai et al., 2019: 4, 11).
Unemployment
Unemployment according to World Bank (1998: 63) is a percentage of the population of people who are active economically, available and seeking for work but are unable to secure job. This set of people include those who had lost jobs and other sets of people who voluntarily opt_out of work. In addition, there exist numerous studies earlier conducted on unemployment and what causes it both in developed and developing nations Nigeria inclusive in recent past. Particularly in Nigeria, its major causes have been identified by scholars such as, outdated school curriculum making Nigerian graduates unemployable, lack of development programmes for youths, increase in the supply of educated manpower owing to turning out of more graduates than the jobs that are available in labour market, the collapse of the manufacturing sector, corruption and failure on the part of leaders (Adesina, 2013; Ajaegbu, 2012; Salami, 2013; Okeke, 2011; Njoku & Ihugba, 2011). These aforementioned factors are the contributors of low job creation, and due to upsurge in the growth of population, therefore, the narrow nature of labour market is unable to accommodate a high number of job seekers (Adekola et al., 2016). Justifying the pervasiveness of youth unemployment in Nigeria was the recent Nigerian immigration test conducted on Saturday 15th March 2014 which later turned sour. The test eventually led to a stampede which occurred at five of the six different centres used across the country for the test claimed the lives of about 20 applicants and left several others injured (Vanguard Newspaper, March 16th, 2014). It was also reported that applicants were charged #1,000 as application fee thus turning the consultants of the test to millionaires overnight while the unemployed are left impoverished. This is just a true picture of how endemic unemployment is in Nigeria (Adekola et al., 2016). Furthermore, unemployment is detrimental to the growth of the economy of any country. Though Nigeria is endowed with unexplored abundant natural and human resources, yet it cannot achieve the required growth rate commensurate to these available resources, due to bad governance, especially corruption among her leaders (Dankumo et al, 2019).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Impact of Mass Migration of Youths to Foreign Countries on the Rate of Unemployment in Nigeria: case study- the Japa syndrome. Selected youths in lagos form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain impact of Mass Migration of Youths to Foreign Countries on the Rate of Unemployment in Nigeria: case study- The Japa syndrome. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing impact of Mass Migration of Youths to Foreign Countries on the Rate of Unemployment in Nigeria: case study- The Japa syndrome
Summary
This study was on impact of Mass Migration of Youths to Foreign Countries on the Rate of Unemployment in Nigeria: case study- The Japa syndrome. Three objectives were raised which included: To quantify the extent of youth migration under The Japa Syndrome and analyze the demographic characteristics of migrant youths, to assess the implications of youth migration on the domestic labor market and to investigate the brain drain effect resulting from the emigration of Nigeria’s educated and skilled workforce. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected youths in Lagos state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing the challenges posed by mass youth migration requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. By prioritizing skills development, sectoral investments, diaspora engagement, and efforts to address root causes, Nigeria can work towards reducing unemployment rates and creating a more prosperous future for its citizens.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the study, including data availability constraints and the need for further research to explore additional dimensions of the issue. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights that can inform policymaking and contribute to ongoing efforts to address the complex challenges associated with youth migration and unemployment in Nigeria.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on the impact of mass migration of Nigerian youths to foreign countries, particularly under The Japa Syndrome, the following recommendations are proposed to address the challenges posed to the rate of unemployment in Nigeria:
- Prioritize investment in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs to equip Nigerian youths with relevant skills and competencies demanded by the labor market. Collaborate with private sector stakeholders to tailor training programs to meet industry needs and promote entrepreneurship among youth.
- Implement policies to stimulate economic growth and diversification, with a focus on key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Provide incentives and support mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to thrive, creating sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
- Establish mechanisms to harness the expertise and resources of the Nigerian diaspora for national development. Encourage diaspora remittances to be channeled into productive investments, such as infrastructure development and job creation initiatives, through favorable policies and incentives.
- Tackle the root causes of youth migration, including socio-economic inequalities, political instability, and lack of opportunities, through comprehensive policy interventions. Strengthen governance structures, promote good governance practices, and create an enabling environment for socio-economic development and youth empowerment.
References
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- Ogunsanya, A. A., & Akintola, S. R. (2018). “Unemployment, Migration and Development Nexus in Nigeria: Theoretical Issues and Empirical Assessment.” Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 9(20), 42-53.
- Okafor, I. C. (2019). “Youth Unemployment in Nigeria: Causes and Consequences.” International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Research, 5(1), 10-24.
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