YOUTH PERCEPTIONS, ASPIRATIONS AND DIGITAL INFLUENCE ON MIGRATION INTENTIONS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

This study investigates the perceptions, digital media exposure, and migration aspirations 
and intentions of undergraduate students in Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional self
administered on-line survey using the mobile app Kobo Toolbox to generate data from 427 
undergraduate students of the University of Calabar via the convenience sampling technique 
was conducted over four weeks. Data revealed that the mean age of participants was 23.0 ± 3.9 
years. Of the 427 respondents, over half frequently come across content on social media 
portraying migration or life abroad positively, with majority expressing dissatisfaction with 
opportunities for education and employment in the country. Also, over half aspires to pursue 
further studies or work abroad. Digital media plays a significant role in shaping migration 
perceptions, aspirations and intentions. Despite being in school, one third of the students are 
already actively planning, and one fifth are currently considering migrating abroad for study, 
work and other reasons, with more than half motivated by better job prospects. Deliberate 
interventions to improve the economic opportunities in the country to curb the migration push 
factors should be considered by policy makers and other stakeholders.