Abstract

The study examined brain-drain syndrome in academia: an impediment to quality research output among university lecturers in south-south, Nigeria. the student answered three research questions with a descriptive survey design. A population of 119 respondents that comprised of Vice-chancellors, deputy vice-chancellors, professors, and senior lecturers from universities in Cross River State, River State, Delta State, Akwa Ibom state, and Bayelsa State. Purposive sampling techniques were adopted in the study and a sample of 102 respondents was drawn for the study. A well-developed instrument Brain-Drain Syndrome and Quality Research Output Questionnaire (BDQROQ) was used for data collection which was validated by experts in measurement and evaluation and the reliability was ascertained with split-half reliability with a reliability index of .76 to .83 which proved how reliable the instrument was for data collection. From the descriptive analysis carried out on the research questions (simple percentages and bar charts), the findings revealed that; there is a high rate of Nigerian emigrating from the country due to brain drain some of the factors outlined in the study are responsible for brain drain. Also, the factors stated in this study have a major effect on brain drain on research. It was concluded that brain drain was a major hindrance to our educational system in the country. It was recommended among others that the government should as a matter of urgency stimulate a stable educational environment with limitless Educational Opportunities in terms of increased remuneration, provision of better working conditions, and enhanced fringe benefits.