Pages: (123-138 )
Abstract
The level of development in any country determines the willingness of the citizens to remain in their country to explore, influence, and manage their environment patriotically for the good of all. Hence, intentional development in the areas of education, health, politics, economy and technology is critical to building an enviable country that supports the growth and development of the people. The paper argued that, citizens in Nigeria and Ghana are migrating due to low utilisation of skill acquired and inability to self-actualise in their profession. Therefore, this study sought to explain the importance of national development and how it could serve as an effective pathway towards addressing the human capital migration conundrum. The paper used a qualitative approach as a methodology; the study found that the gross migration of citizens from Ghana and Nigeria is basically as a result of internal development deficiencies that negate citizens’ aspirations and expectations of social, economic and mental wellbeing. The study concluded that skilled citizens migrate from their countries because foreign environments do not only support self-development but also provide better employment opportunities that adequately sustain their wellbeing and self-actualisation. The study therefore recommended that the governments of Ghana and Nigeria should provide quality environment that meets international standards in the areas of health, education and infrastructures in order to deter emigration of citizens to foreign countries.
Keywords: National Development, Human Capital, Self-Actualisation, Migration,