The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has expressed concern over the growing migration of researchers and scientists from the country, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s research capacity and development.
The Executive Secretary of NAS, Dr. Oladoyin Odubanjo, raised the concern on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while speaking on the outlook for science research and development in 2026.
Odubanjo noted that although the migration of health workers had attracted more public attention, a similar and significant exodus was occurring within the science and technology ecosystem.
“One of the big areas people are not talking about is the migration of researchers. We hear a lot about health workers, but researchers are also leaving the country in large numbers,” he said.
According to him, many young Nigerian researchers are seeking better career opportunities abroad, a situation that is steadily depleting the country’s scientific workforce.
“If we have no people, then there will be no research,” Odubanjo said, stressing that the loss of skilled researchers directly undermines the nation’s capacity for innovation and development.
He explained that scientific research thrives on collaboration between senior and junior academics, adding that the departure of young researchers disrupts mentorship structures and continuity in research institutions.
Despite the challenges, Odubanjo expressed optimism that sustained reforms and improved funding could help stabilise the situation.
He pointed to recent policy changes aimed at easing restrictions associated with the Treasury Single Account (TSA), saying such reforms could improve access to research grants and enhance productivity.
“Previously, even when researchers secured grants, the funds were paid into the TSA, making it extremely difficult to access money for reagents, fieldwork and other research needs, especially with approvals centralised in Abuja,” he said.
According to him, delays in accessing funds often stalled fieldwork and data collection, thereby slowing down or completely halting research activities.
Odubanjo said with improved policies, better funding mechanisms and stronger efforts to retain skilled manpower, scientific research in Nigeria could experience gradual recovery in the coming year.
