Concerns have been raised by the Nigerian Academy of Science in regards to the increasing number of scientists and researchers leaving the country. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday, NAS Executive Secretary Dr. Oladoyin Odubanjo voiced his worries. He claims that the tendency seriously jeopardizes Nigeria's future scientific advancement.
In response to inquiries about the prospects for advancing science research in 2026, Odubanjo stated that although the migration of health professionals was more apparent, there was also a considerable migration occurring within the ecosystem of science and technology.
The migration of researchers is one of the major topics that is widely discussed. We are aware of the departure of medical professionals, but researchers are also departing. A large number of our young researchers are exiting the nation.
They are departing in large numbers in search of employment opportunities, and they are being lured by other nations. "There won't be any research if we don't have people," he stated.
He claims that since scientific activity depends on cooperation between senior and junior academics, the loss of researchers has a direct impact on the country's research potential. However, Odubanjo expressed hope that the situation may stabilize with continued changes and sufficient funding.
He pointed out that recent policy developments, including efforts to loosen constraints related to the Treasury Single Account (TSA), might increase productivity and make research funds more accessible.
"Up until now, even when researchers received grants, the money went into the TSA, and it became difficult to access the money to buy reagents or go to the field, especially when approvals were centralized in the Federal Capital Territory," he stated.
He clarified that fieldwork and data collection are frequently stagnated due to funding delays, which hinder research endeavors. Odubanjo also expressed optimism that scientific research in Nigeria would gradually rebound in the upcoming year, thanks to better policies, easier access to financing, and more staff retention.