A Survey On The Socio-Political Challenges Driving The Trend Of Education Tourism In Foreign Institutions Among Nigerian Tertiary Level Students

Abstract

Education tourism has been a sought-after option in recent years for tertiary level students in Nigeria who are in search of quality education in foreign institutions. Reports have revealed that Nigeria has the highest outbound student mobility in Africa. The decision for Nigerian tertiary level students to leave the country is motivated by the socio-political challenges that have plagued the public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This study therefore examines how socio-political challenges have influenced education tourism in foreign institutions among Nigerian tertiary level students with a focus on three socio-political challenges - poor funding, incessant strikes, and insecurity. Hence, both primary data and secondary data were collected using literature search and interview. This study adopts the Human Capital Theory. Data gathered were analysed using thematic method of analysis. This research reveals that the absence of sustainable funding of public tertiary institutions, the constant disruption in academic calendars, and the state of insecurityhave led to the prevalence of education tourism among Nigerian tertiary level students to foreign institutions, and more students are willing to embark on education tourism if given the means and the opportunity to do so. This study recommends that there should be the yearly allocation of 26% of the national budget to the education sector which will help close the gap that stands currently. The study therefore concludes that there is a relationship between socio-political challenges and education tourism.