Experts Call on Nigeria to Facilitate the Return of Skilled Professionals

Leading experts in education and technology are urging Nigeria to adopt a strategic approach to address the country’s brain drain, emphasizing that while the contributions of Nigerians abroad through remittances are valuable, creating opportunities for skilled professionals to return home is critical for sustainable development.

Uwem Ukpong, Vice President of Global Services at Amazon Web Services and a member of the Board of Trustees of the I-Scholar Initiative (ISI), highlighted the dual importance of diaspora contributions and domestic opportunity creation. “Nigerians overseas repatriate billions annually, which helps drive economic activity,” he said. “But financial inflows alone are not enough; we must create clear pathways for highly skilled Nigerians to return and succeed at home.”

Speaking at a private reception in Lagos, Ukpong cited Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem as evidence of domestic potential, noting that government and private sector collaboration is key to expanding opportunities. “People are creating opportunities for themselves, but enabling industries and supporting growth must be a priority,” he added.

The I-Scholar Initiative, which supports talented Nigerian students pursuing education abroad, has seen high demand, receiving over 4,200 applications for just 400 slots in its latest cycle. Ukpong noted that the programme not only helps students access world-class education but also enhances the global reputation of Nigerian talent.

Tolu Ewherido, ISI Board Chair, explained that the organisation maintains a rigorous, bias-conscious selection process to ensure fairness and gender balance. She added that scholars rarely drop out due to academic challenges, with most withdrawals being voluntary to allow others to benefit. “Our goal is equal opportunity, and we continuously audit the process to maintain integrity,” she said.

Victor Ogunmola, ISI President, stated that the initiative was founded in 2019 to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s talented youth and global opportunities. Since its inception, ISI has supported 455 scholars, investing approximately $400,000 in standardized test fees, application costs, and visa support, which have led to over $17 million in scholarships for beneficiaries at top international institutions.

Ogunmola also stressed that mentorship is central to the programme, pairing each scholar with a mentor to provide guidance throughout the application and transition process. This ensures candidates are well-prepared to maximize opportunities abroad while staying connected to Nigeria’s development goals.

Both Ukpong and Ogunmola emphasized that while diaspora remittances remain crucial, creating sustainable pathways for skilled Nigerians to return home and contribute locally is essential. They called for deliberate collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to make Nigeria a competitive destination for returning talent.