Migration Of Young Nigerians And Skilled Persons To Foreign Countries: Challenges And The Role Of Social Work In South East, Nigeria

Abstract

Migration has remained a persistent and historical feature of human societies, marked by the voluntary and involuntary movement of individuals across regions and borders. In Sub-Saharan Africa, international migration is particularly prominent, surpassing levels observed in many developing regions (Bhardway & Sharma, 2023). Scholars like Oluwabukunm interpret migration as a facet of globalization that fosters cross-cultural, socio-political, and economic interactions, ultimately shaping societal development. Historically, African migration has evolved through significant phases—most notably, the transatlantic slave trade between the 15th and 19th centuries, during which millions of Africans were forcibly relocated to Europe and the Americas for labor. Later, during colonial rule, large numbers of Nigerians migrated to neighboring countries such as Ghana, Cotonou, and Equatorial Guinea, where they engaged in labor-intensive sectors including rail construction, cocoa farming, and gold mining (Mbere & Pongon, 2010). This historical context underscores the enduring significance of migration as both a driver and a reflection of broader socio-economic and political transformations.