Academic Brain-Drain and its Effect on Sustainability of Higher Education: A Case Study of Selected Public Tertiary Institutions in Ogun State

Abstract

Abstract: The study investigated the effect of Academic Brain-Drain on sustainability of higher education in Public Tertiary Institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria. The target population for the study was the entire academic staff members of the selected Public Tertiary Institutions from three (3) Senatorial Districts in the State which consisted of 2058 Academic Staff members. The study selected a sample of 450 Academic Staff members through the use of purposive sampling technique. Cross-sectional survey was employed for the study to retrieve the expected data through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics with the aid of tables were utilised to summarize the data obtained while multiple regression analysis was adopted for inferential purpose using SPSS version 26. Component factor analysis and Cronbach Alpha statistics were used to examine the validity and reliability of the instruments which yielded 80% and .767 respectively. The study found that Academic Brain Drain has a positive significant effect on Sustainability of Higher Education as emphasized by the t-statistic {f (3/446), t = 389.344, P< 0.05}. According to the model summary, R2=.803 suggests that the three factors: Poor Working Condition, Poor Pay Package and Inadequate Research Facilities together accounted for more than 80% of the variance in Sustainability of Higher Education. The study concluded that sustainability of higher education and Academic Brain-Drain have a strong, favorable, and significant relationship. The study recommended that good working conditions and better pay package be provided in public institutions in order to motivate the Academic Staff members and discourage them from migrating to where greener pasture can be found.