Brain Drain in the Nigerian Health Sector: Workplace Factors and Implications for Healthcare Accessibility in a South Western State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Health worker migration poses a critical challenge
to Nigeria’s fragile health system, with severe implications for service
delivery and access. This study examined how workplace satisfaction and career
development influence migration intentions among healthcare professionals in
Oyo State and assessed the consequences for healthcare accessibility. A
mixed-methods design was employed, combining secondary data with a structured
survey of 377 healthcare workers across primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities.
Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including
chi-square tests and logistic regression. Findings revealed that 46.7% of
respondents had considered migrating abroad within the past year, while 35.8%
were actively pursuing opportunities. Migration intent was highest among
younger professionals, doctors, pharmacists, and public health specialists.
Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia emerged as the
most preferred destinations. Respondents highlighted severe consequences of
migration, including manpower shortages (41.2%), longer patient waiting times
(54.4%), increased workload (37.1%), and reduced quality of care (55.1%),
particularly in primary healthcare facilities. The study concludes that
workplace dissatisfaction and limited career development opportunities
significantly drive migration intent among healthcare workers in Oyo State.
Addressing these challenges through improved remuneration, better working
conditions, and structured professional growth pathways is essential to
retaining skilled personnel. Without urgent interventions, health worker
migration will continue to undermine healthcare access and system resilience in
Nigeria.
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