Changing migration realities: International students in South Africa and Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Africa has often been seen as a place of mass displacement and migration, as a result of poverty, bad governance, job insecurities, and unemployment, amongst others. Consequently, Africa has recorded irregular migration of people, specifically from one African territory to the advanced countries, solely on the search for ‘El Dorado’. However, in recent times, South Africa has witnessed an increasingly enrollment of international students, following the provided engagements, policies, educational access for both indigenes and international students. On the contrary, Nigeria seems not to be on the same train.

Purpose: This study sought to examine the changing migration realities of international students seeking new horizons in South African universities, with the interest of highlighting possible measures that would accelerate the potentialities of various African universities, using South Africa and Nigeria as a case study. Push and pull theory of migration was employed to further the trend, migration as a global phenomenon.

Methodology: The approach utilized in this study was to review and sourced for data from a few number of independent studies, from which the major objectives of the study were accomplished.

Discussion of Findings/Results: South Africa and Nigeria was considered as a case study. This paper identified various underlying factors that limit and prompt the movement of people across various milieus.

Recommendations: The study recommended collaboration and human capital development among African scholars and strongly argued for de-emphasis of existing curriculum and theories.