From job-seeking syndrome to emigration syndrome: can creating job creators halt the drain?

Fomba E Mbebeb, University of Dschang

South to North drain of skilled manpower is of critical concern in policy debates in Sub Saharan African development drive. The massive drain has been commonly referred to as “the African exodus”, and largely attributed to economic motives-job search mobility. With the economic downturn of the late 80s in Cameroon and graduate population explosion with the University reforms, job-seeking-syndrome and emigration disposition heightened due to public service employment squeeze and skill-labor market imbalances. This paper explores if job-seeking syndrome can catalyze emigration syndrome, and whether upskilling job creators can halt graduate drain? Analysis uses data sets of recent studies from some research institutions and Government services. The paper discusses factors that facilitate and hinder productive capacity priming as critical factors in entrepreneurial culture and job entry, emigration dispositions and brain drain. Recommendations for policy and practice have also been highlighted.