Educational Tourism: Departure Countries Like Nigeria Bear The Brunt

When we hear Tourism, the first thing that comes to mind is a getaway, vacation, or sightseeing. Many individuals travel the world not only to study a course abroad but also to satisfy their curiosity and learn about different cultures and backgrounds. People venture to foreign lands to gain knowledge and understanding about other societies and their ways of life. So when people leave their country or state for a strange man’s land with a thirst to know about their cultures and background, it is called Educational Tourism.

Educational tourism (also known as learning tourism or edu-tourism) has been defined as a travel style characterized by a desire to know more about other cultures – their history, languages, architecture, cuisine, and beyond. It is said to entail engaging in educational activities and interactions that contribute to personal development and advance cultural awareness.

According to research, the global educational tourism market size was estimated at USD 365.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.0% from 2023 to 2030. Additionally, UNESCO’s Institute of Statistics says that the number of Nigerian students abroad increased from less than 15,000 in 1998 to over 71,000 in 2015.

These statistics highlight the significance of educational tourism, which is growing in popularity around the world. Countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, France, and Australia are renowned for their educational opportunities. Educational tourism can take many forms, including language immersions, study abroad programs, volunteer opportunities, cultural and historical tours, workshops, and more. Educational tourism offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact the lives of participants. By exposing them to different cultures, histories, and ways of life, educational tourism can broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world. It can also contribute to their academic and personal growth.

However, educational tourism is not without its challenges. Communication can prove difficult if the participants are not fluent in the local language. Additionally, there may be health and safety concerns associated with traveling and exploring unfamiliar places. These are the challenges that the participants may face in their journey for knowledge. But what about the dire challenges this poses to the economy and educational system of the departure countries?

Olayemi Cardoso, CBN governor revealed in a speech addressing the House of Representatives on February 2024 that between 2010 and 2020, foreign education expenses amounted to 28.65billion USD. He also adds that factors like this contribute to the fluctuating exchange rate. “Looking at the demand side of the exchange rate, it is important to note the growing number of Nigerian students studying abroad” he adds. Imagine this amount invested into Nigeria’s economy or its educational system. The story would have probably been people trooping into Nigeria as well for educational tourism. Inasmuch as it is necessary to learn about other people and their cultures, the rate at which student flee their developing countries is alarming and needs redress in order not to destroy the educational system of these countries.

To sum it up, educational tourism could improve bilateral relationships between countries, however, it is important to ensure that no country is left to suffer its adverse effects.