The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has highlighted the mass departure of researchers and scientists from Nigeria as a major threat to research and development.
The Executive Secretary of NAS, Oladoyin Odubanjo, expressed concern on Monday in an interview in Abuja, warning that the trend could significantly undermine the country’s scientific capacity.
While discussing the outlook for science research in 2026, Odubanjo noted that, although the migration of health workers is widely reported, many researchers are also leaving the country.
“One of the big areas people are not talking about is the migration of researchers. Many of our young researchers are leaving in search of career opportunities, and other countries are taking them in. If we have no people, then there will be no research”, he said.
He explained that the loss of researchers directly affects Nigeria’s research capacity, as scientific progress depends on collaboration between senior and junior academics.
Despite the challenges, Odubanjo expressed optimism that sustained reforms and improved funding could help stabilize the situation. He highlighted recent policy changes aimed at easing restrictions associated with the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which could enhance access to research grants and improve productivity.
“Previously, even when researchers received grants, the funds went into the TSA, making it extremely difficult to access money for reagents or fieldwork, especially with approvals centralized in the Federal Capital Territory”, he said.
Delays in accessing funds, he added, often stalled fieldwork and data collection, thereby hindering research activities.
However, Odubanjo expressed hope that with better policies, improved funding access, and efforts to retain talent, scientific research in Nigeria could gradually recover in the coming year.
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