The 20th annual Symposium will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

Agents of Change: Gender Differences in Migration Intentions among University Undergraduates in Nigeria
Norris 104, 2:00 PM

Jacob  Rinkinen,   '11 68
   Majors: Chemistry, Anthropology/Sociology
   Hometown: Highland, MI

Sponsor(s): ‘Dimeji Togunde
Support: FURSCA

Abstract: 
This paper draws on surveys/interviews with 678 Nigerian university undergraduates to examine migration intentions and to detect if gender differences exist in reasons to migrate (or not) to the United States. This study is unique by focusing on future migration among university students, whose views and migration plans have been neglected in previous studies. Findings indicate that a higher proportion of males than females cite better employment opportunities as reason for planning to move. However, more females than males prefer safety and better infrastructures available in America as motives for wanting to move within the next five years. A higher proportion of women than men find social-cultural ties with homeland and perception of racism in America as factors discouraging them from wanting to live in the United States; whereas, patriotism/love of homeland encourage more men than women to wanting to stay in Nigeria. Perception of America as a land of opportunities and active participation in the U.S. Visa Lottery Program are among significant predictors of intentions to migrate. Findings have implications for policies aimed at improving quality of life in Nigeria, thereby, reducing emigration of “future leaders of tomorrow”.

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