What is your current role? Tell us a bit about your research
I am a research assistant at the Nigerian Defence Academy, My research work is on the economic impact of brain drain in the healthcare sector in Nigeria. Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, faces a severe shortage of healthcare workers due to poor working conditions, low wages, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of career growth opportunities. Many professionals relocate to countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, where they receive better remuneration, improved working environments, and professional development opportunities.
This migration has led to critical consequences, including reduced access to quality healthcare, increased patient-to-doctor ratios, and a decline in healthcare service delivery. The economic impact is substantial, as Nigeria invests heavily in training medical personnel but experiences a loss of human capital when they migrate. Additionally, the country incurs high costs in recruiting expatriate medical workers to fill the gaps.
What are you hoping to get out of the ASAPbio Fellows program?
I hope to learn, unlearn, and relearn in the open science research area. I also hope to contribute my ideas and experience.