Driving factors of brain drain among medical students of the university of abuja college of health sciences, nigeria

Abstract

Brain drain which is the large-scale migration of highly trained professionals from low- and middle-income countries to wealthier nations, has emerged as a critical challenge to healthcare workforce stability in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria faces a particularly acute crisis, with medical students increasingly expressing the intention to migrate. To identify the key driving factors influencing the intention of medical students at the University of Abuja College of Health Sciences to emigrate after graduation. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 236 medical students selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics, migration intentions, timing of intended departure, preferred destinations, and reasons for leaving or staying. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with results presented in frequencies and percentages. A total of 73.7% of respondents expressed an intention to leave Nigeria after graduation, with 31.4% planning to do so within two years post-graduation. The most cited reason for migration was the pursuit of a safer and better working environment (30.1%), followed by higher salaries abroad (20.3%). The United Kingdom (19.5%), USA (16.9%), and Canada (16.5%) were the most preferred destinations. The migration intentions of medical students in Nigeria are driven primarily by poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, and personal safety concerns. Urgent policy measures, including improved working environments, competitive renumerations, and strategic retention incentives, are required to avert further loss of the country’s future healthcare workforce.