Abonu, a Public Affairs Consultant, writes from Abuja.
In a recent conversation, Okello Oculi shared his perspective on the potential contributions of skilled Nigerians in the diaspora to their home country. Reflecting on his time at Stanford University, he recounted a moment that has remained with him since 1965. A fellow student, Peter Chen, expressed a heartfelt ambition: “When I get my Engineering Degree, I will return to China to build the country.” Oculi noted that Chen had a keen awareness of his reluctance to fully embrace American culture.
Oculi drew parallels between Chen’s commitment and China’s history, highlighting the nation’s transformation post-1949 after a prolonged guerrilla war led by Mao Zedong. Under Mao’s leadership, ordinary Chinese citizens united to combat poverty and oppression, harnessing their collective strength to effect monumental changes in infrastructure and society. From building roads and railways to eradicating diseases such as Bilharzia, the efforts were grounded in community involvement and a sense of ownership over their achievements.
Mao also implemented a radical approach to education, purging professionals educated in the West and sending them to rural areas to learn from peasant communities. This ideological shift allowed China to leverage its own resources and knowledge effectively, ultimately leading to significant victories against better-armed foes.
Oculi contrasted this with the current dynamics of diaspora talent returning to their home countries. He mentioned that professionals like Peter Chen are bringing cutting-edge skills back to a China confidently led by its leaders and citizenry. Similarly, India’s diaspora is also returning with valuable knowledge in science and industry, guided by a cultural ethos that emphasizes dedication to duty.
He described how recent political climates in the U.S., particularly under Donald Trump’s administration, intensified anti-immigrant sentiments, prompting many highly skilled professionals to return to their countries of origin. During a lecture honoring General/Dr. Yakubu Gowon’s 90th birthday, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina highlighted the alarming trend of Nigerian doctors, engineers, and academics leaving the country, proving a point about the brain drain impacting Nigeria.
Research underscoring the educational backgrounds of Nigerian immigrants revealed that over half hold degrees from prestigious universities. While many returning professionals from China and India view their home countries as places of opportunity, Nigerian expatriates face the grim realities of IMF/World Bank policies, pervasive corruption, and systemic educational failures.
Adesina illuminated the stark disparities within Nigeria, noting that only 7 percent of the population holds a university degree, with northern Nigeria facing the highest levels of poverty. With food inflation reaching 40 percent in some regions, many skilled Nigerians are drawn to potential investment opportunities at home—notably through real estate and the importation of medical equipment.
He pointed out how critics in Sweden have questioned the real value of the contributions made by Nigerians abroad, arguing that their inventions hold far greater worth than the monetary support they send back home. However, Adesina’s focus is on empowering and “returning” this talent to Nigeria, advocating for a vision of industrialization that can elevate Nigeria on a global scale.
Despite Nigeria lagging behind several African nations in terms of development, Adesina remains optimistic. He envisions a future where Nigeria plays a pivotal role in driving industrial progress across the continent. His remarks reflect a deep frustration towards the historical neglect of local production in favor of imports, drawing a parallel to the cultural shifts among modern Nigerian women who often distance themselves from their natural hair in favor of imported styles.
Oculi offers these thoughts as a call to action, emphasizing the potential for Nigeria to reclaim its pride and place through the talents of its diaspora.
