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Tapping into the Potential of Academic Diaspora for Homeland Development: the Case of Nigeria

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Abstract

Academic Diaspora populations are an important resource that can be harnessed by home governments for national growth and development. Nigeria’s academic Diasporas provide an opportunity for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to connect to the global knowledge community and for the government to utilize their skills and resources toward national innovation and growth. This paper examines the contributions of Nigeria’s academic Diaspora populations by analyzing their various modes of engagement in Nigeria’s development. The paper uses a review of relevant literature and responses from a questionnaire survey of 45 Nigerian international academics. Using the theoretical lens of the Diaspora Option Theory, the paper observes that the academic Diaspora has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development but that the benefits of these contributions can be enhanced through proper government engagement and coordination.

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Correspondence to Francis Amagoh.

Appendix 1: Nigeria’s Academic Diaspora Questionnaire Survey

Appendix 1: Nigeria’s Academic Diaspora Questionnaire Survey

  1. 1.

    Name (Optional):

  2. 2.

    Current Position:

  3. 3.

    Marital Status:

  4. 4.

    Number of Children

  5. 5.

    Highest Level of Education:

  6. 6.

    When did you leave Nigeria?

  7. 7.

    What were the factors that that influenced you to emigrate from Nigeria?

    • Push factors: low salary, no career prospects, insecurity, political instability, lack of research facilities, etc. (circle as many as may apply)

    • Pull factors: Education of self and children abroad, medical facilities, in search of better life, etc. (circle as many as may apply)

  8. 8.

    Who financed your overseas education?

    1. A)

      Nigerian government scholarships

    2. B)

      Self

    3. C)

      Others (e.g. company scholarships, religious, etc.)

  9. 9.

    How many years have you been an academic expatriate abroad?

  10. 10.

    How frequently do you visit Nigeria?

  11. 11.

    Do you ever consider permanently moving back to Nigeria?

  12. 12.

    What conditions may encourage you to move back to Nigeria (e.g. better university teaching opportunities, consultancy, retirement, security, etc.)?

  13. 13.

    How do you engage yourself in Nigeria’s development (donations to causes: such as hospitals, schools, commentaries in newspapers, collaborative research with professors in Nigerian universities; etc.)?

  14. 14.

    Would you be interested in a Diaspora Knowledge Network pertaining to Nigeria (a forum where academics can share ideas on how to facilitate Nigeria’s development)?

  15. 15.

    In your opinion, what can the Nigerian government do to encourage its academic diaspora contribute more to the country’s development?

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Amagoh, F., Rahman, T. Tapping into the Potential of Academic Diaspora for Homeland Development: the Case of Nigeria. Int. Migration & Integration 17, 35–53 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-014-0376-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-014-0376-y

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