First Edition of the Short Course on Migration

April 2025

 

Theme: “Safe and Regular Migration Pathways for Nigerians”

6 days of conferences, workshops, webinars and trainings

facilitated by national and international experts on migration.

 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is organizing the first edition of the Short Course on Migration under the theme “Safe and Regular Migration Pathways for Nigerians”.

Why this theme?

Nigeria is one of the leading countries in Africa with a significant number of its citizens seeking both permanent and temporary migration opportunities. According to the World Bank, in 2020, over 1.7 million Nigerians resided outside the country, primarily in Europe and North America. This migration pattern is driven by factors such as economic opportunities, education, and family reunification. However, irregular migration poses serious risks, including human trafficking, exploitation, and perilous journeys that often result in loss of life.

The theme “Safe and Regular Migration Pathways for Nigerians” is crucial in today’s context as it addresses the need to create structured and lawful channels for migration. These pathways ensure that migrants' rights are protected, reduce the risk of exploitation, and contribute to the socio-economic development of both host and home countries. By focusing on safe and regular migration, the course aims to highlight the benefits of regulated migration processes, inform potential migrants about their options, and collaborate with international bodies to foster policies that support legal migration frameworks.

In 2024, the Edo State Government, with the support of IOM through the project “Managing Migration through Development 2.0” supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, developed the Edo State Migration Action Plan (2024-2029) document. The Plan outlines the vision and key steps the State Government aims to take to realize the promise of migration in the State. It’s first pillar focuses on exploring pathways to regular migration, by providing requisite information to prospective migrants, and harnessing available opportunities in collaboration with international and local partners.  Initiatives under this pillar will include awareness campaigns on regular migration pathways, facilitating access to reliable information for prospective migrants, and collaborating with relevant authorities to streamline migration procedures, facilitation of skilled mobility partnership schemes (bilateral labour agreement, circular migration, and reverse migration.

In line with this pillar, the overarching goal of the short course on migration is to mainstream the Action Plan and foster among youths a greater understanding of migration dynamics.

In a world increasingly affected by global mobility, the discourse on safe and regular migration pathways is not only timely but essential. It promotes awareness, equips stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge, and ultimately saves lives by steering migration towards a more secure and beneficial reality.

For more information, please read the Call for Applications.

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Objectives

This multidisciplinary short course on migration is designed to promote exchange and reflection on the theme of migration with young Nigerians and to promote a greater understanding of the Edo State Action Plan on Migration. The hope is that this can encourage, in the longer term, the organization of more training, studies and research on the theme of migration in Nigeria

Methodology

The short course will last one week and will be organized around thematic days composed of workshops and conferences. Practical case studies will lead participants to put into practice the concepts acquired.

Target audience

The course will primarily target students (undergraduates from Sophomore year, graduates and postgraduate students) with an interest in migration studies and sustainable development. A call for applications will be circulated inviting prospective students to apply. A maximum of 25 students will be recruited for the first cohort.

Course outline

·     Day 1 – Understanding migration concepts

  • Understanding key concepts of migration and sustainable development
  • Historical perspectives on migration trends
  • Global and local impacts of migration

The first day will be dedicated to Understanding migration on a global discourse; The Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Migration : the relationship between migration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as how migration fits into the different axes of sustainable development globally and for Nigeria specifically. This day will also include a session on the introduction of key concepts and terminologies on migration, from the perspective of international law.

Day 2 – Nigeria in the regional and international migration context

Nigeria is a country with a rich migration history. Over time, the country’s migration profile has transformed itself because of global, regional and national sociopolitical factors. Today, Nigeria is a country of emigration, immigration and transit and must face new challenges and harness innovative opportunities to make migration work. This day will focus on key migration dynamics in Nigeria.

Day 3 – Migration for Nigeria’s Development: Understanding the links

  • Review of international and National migration policies
  • Understanding migration for development including remittances
  • ‘Japa’ phenomenon, the ‘brain drain’ and the “brain gain”
  • Economic impact of migration; Remittances and Foreign Assistance

Day 3 of the course will delve into the intricate links between migration and Nigeria’s development. This session will cover international migration policies, the significant role of remittances, and the contemporary ‘Japa’ phenomenon, shedding light on how migration can drive progress and growth within the nation.

Day 4 – Irregular migration from Nigeria: What? Who? Why? How?

This third day will break with the rhythm of conferences and workshops: in the morning, many associations and institutions active in migration will come to exchange and debate their projects with the participants. In the afternoon, a field visit will be an opportunity to meet returning migrants and learn their stories.  Understanding the drivers of migration and root cause of migration; the similarities and differences.

Day 5 – Safe and regular migration pathways: What? Who? Why? How?

Day 5 will be dedicated to exploring the essential elements of creating and maintaining safe and regular migration pathways. This session will delve into the various aspects of these pathways, identifying the key stakeholders involved, understanding the reasons behind their importance, and examining the methods through which they can be effectively implemented. Participants will gain valuable insights into the mechanisms that ensure safe migration and the initiatives that can be developed to support these pathways. The content of this day will also touch upon migration decision-making, specifically on how leadership, policies and frameworks affect migration.

Day 6 – Migration governance: How can we get it right?
On this final day, we will discuss the legal framework for the protection of migrants in Nigeria. We will also examine the current frameworks and environment for the implementation of safe and regular migration pathways for Nigerians. How could it be improved? What initiatives could be developed?  Understanding the current Nigeria governance structure. Provide insights on the Standard Operating Procedure on Return, Readmission and Reintegration to provide adequate understanding to MDAs on their role and responsibility including the protection of migrants. This section will also delve into the peculiarities of the Edo State Migration Strategy, in a bid to better understand how these strategies contribute to stronger migration governance in the State and the country.
 

How to apply

Before you apply, make sure you check all the course content, requirements and eligibility criteria. Course participation is 100% FREE. The course will be held onsite in Benin-City in April 2025. All prospective participants should henceforth endeavour to be ready to participate in-person.

To apply please complete this online form: https://forms.gle/SAYPMQ26iGuH9yaZA

Only online applications will be reviewed. 

The application deadline is 23 March 2025. Successful applicants will be notified at the end of March 2025.

Partners

Logo of the Edo State Governmentfernesina

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