Education

Ghana Beats Nigeria in Per Capita Migration to Canada Despite Nigeria’s Record Number

Published by
Abdullah Tijani

In a surprising twist to Canada’s immigration trends, Ghana has outpaced Nigeria in per capita migration rates, even as Nigeria posts record-breaking numbers of study permits. This revelation, based on recent immigration data, highlights the evolving dynamics of migration from Africa to Canada and underscores the growing appeal of Canadian education and residency pathways.

The Numbers Tell a Story

While Nigeria recorded an extraordinary 113.2% year-on-year increase in study permits, rising from 21,555 in 2022 to 45,965 in 2023, Ghana’s numbers—though smaller in absolute terms—paint a different picture when adjusted for population size. With a population of approximately 33 million, Ghana issued 9,235 study permits in 2023, translating to 28 permits per 100,000 people. In comparison, Nigeria, with a population of about 223 million, issued 20.6 permits per 100,000 people.

This stark contrast is even more striking given Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy and its substantially larger pool of young, education-hungry individuals. While Nigeria’s absolute numbers dominate, Ghana’s higher per capita rate reveals a more pronounced shift in the country’s engagement with Canada as a destination for education and migration.

West African Immigration to Canada in a Global Context

Population-to-Immigration Ratios: Nigeria vs. Global Giants

When comparing Nigeria’s immigration numbers with other top contributors to Canada’s study permits, a surprising pattern emerges. Nigeria’s per capita migration rate is unusually high, particularly when considered alongside countries with far larger populations and more advanced economies:

  1. Nigeria:
    • With a population of approximately 223 million and 45,965 study permits issued in 2023, this equates to 20.6 permits per 100,000 people.
    • Nigeria’s high per capita issuance reflects strong aspirations for international education despite economic challenges.
  2. India:
    • India remains the largest source of study permits, issuing 427,085 permits in 2023, but with a population of over 1.4 billion, this translates to 30.5 permits per 100,000 people.
    • While India’s absolute numbers dwarf Nigeria’s, the modest per capita issuance reflects its vast population and the relatively higher capacity of its domestic education system.
  3. China:
    • China issued 101,150 study permits in 2023, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, resulting in just 7.2 permits per 100,000 people.
    • This suggests Nigerian students are far more likely to pursue Canadian education than their Chinese counterparts, despite China’s higher GDP per capita and more developed domestic higher education sector.
  4. Philippines:
    • The Philippines issued 48,870 study permits in 2023, or 42.5 permits per 100,000 people, with a population of around 115 million.
    • The Philippines has a strong tradition of labor and educational migration, but Nigeria’s rapid growth in migration numbers is closing this gap despite economic challenges.
  5. Ghana:
    • Ghana’s 9,235 permits in 2023 equate to 28 permits per 100,000 people, edging out Nigeria in per capita terms despite its much smaller absolute numbers.

These comparisons underscore Nigeria’s growing role in global migration patterns while highlighting Ghana’s ability to outperform in relative terms.

Why Ghana Leads in Per Capita Terms

Ghana’s lead in per capita migration is driven by unique socio-economic and cultural factors. The country’s strong tradition of outward migration, coupled with robust family networks in the diaspora, has made Canada an attractive destination. Additionally, gaps in Ghana’s domestic higher education system have spurred many middle-class families to seek international qualifications for their children.

Canada’s affordability, work-study options, and clear residency pathways further cement its appeal as a top choice for Ghanaians, who often see it as a more accessible alternative to traditional destinations like the United States or the United Kingdom.

Nigeria’s Record Numbers: A Closer Look

While Ghana excels in per capita terms, Nigeria’s sheer numbers remain impressive. The 45,965 study permits issued in 2023 reflect a growing exodus of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.

Key drivers of this trend include:

  • Youthful Demographics: With over 60% of its population under 25, Nigeria has one of the youngest populations globally, creating a vast pool of potential migrants.
  • Economic Challenges: Limited higher education capacity, high unemployment, and political instability push young Nigerians to explore opportunities overseas.
  • Canadian Appeal: Canada offers affordable education, post-graduation work opportunities, and clear pathways to permanent residency, making it an attractive option for Nigerians.

The Bigger Picture: India, China, and Africa’s Role in Canada’s Migration Landscape

  1. India:
    India’s dominance in absolute numbers is linked to its burgeoning middle class and large English-speaking population, which makes Canadian universities particularly accessible. While its per capita rate (30.5 per 100,000 people) is higher than Nigeria’s, the gap is narrower than expected given India’s economic and educational advantages.
  2. China:
    China’s stagnant growth in study permits and low per capita rate (7.2 per 100,000 people) may be attributed to its robust domestic education system, geopolitical tensions, and lingering pandemic-related restrictions. In comparison, Nigeria’s much higher per capita issuance reflects a stronger demand for international education amid local challenges.
  3. Africa’s Rise:
    The Ghana-Nigeria comparison is part of a broader trend of rising African migration to Canada. Countries like Algeria (78.3% growth in study permits) and Ethiopia are also contributing to this shift. Africa’s youthful population and growing demand for education make it a key region for Canada’s future immigration strategies.

Immigration to Canada: Programmes for Studying in Canada and Transitioning to Permanent Residency

1. Study Permit

  • Details: Official information on applying for a study permit.
  • Link: Study Permits – Government of Canada

2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

  • Details: Information on eligibility and application for the PGWP.
  • Link: Post-Graduation Work Permit – Government of Canada

3. Express Entry System

  • Details: Overview of the points-based system for permanent residency.
  • Link: Express Entry – Government of Canada

4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

5. Atlantic Immigration Programme (AIP)

  • Details: A pathway for international graduates in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
  • Link: Atlantic Immigration Program – Government of Canada

6. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

  • Details: Immigration program targeting smaller communities.
  • Link: Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot – Government of Canada

7. Quebec Immigration Programs

  • Details: Programs for students studying in Quebec.
  • Links:
    • Québec Experience Program (PEQ)
    • Immigration Québec

8. Start-Up Visa Program

  • Details: Program for entrepreneurs looking to settle in Canada.
  • Link: Start-Up Visa Programme – Government of Canada

9. Student Direct Stream (SDS)

  • Details: Faster visa processing for students from eligible countries.
  • Link: Student Direct Stream – Government of Canada

10. Family Sponsorship

  • Details: Information on sponsoring family members for permanent residency.
  • Link: Family Sponsorship – Government of Canada

11. Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway

  • Details: A pathway for temporary residents, including students, to gain permanent residency.
  • Link: Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway

12. Agri-Food Pilot

  • Details: Program for agricultural and food workers transitioning to permanent residency.
  • Link: Agri-Food Pilot – Government of Canada

Canada Is Tightening Immigration Rules: Implications for African Immigrants and Students

Recent changes to Canadian immigration policies are creating waves, particularly among African nationals and international students aspiring to study and settle in Canada. The adjustments, introduced between late 2024 and early 2025, aim to address resource strain and population pressures but come with significant consequences for African migrants and students.

New Caps on Immigration Targets

In October 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, introducing new caps on temporary and permanent resident admissions. Unlike previous policies that encouraged higher immigration numbers, the new plan focuses on sustainable population growth and managing the rising strain on housing, healthcare, and other social services. While specific quotas for each category remain undisclosed, the policy marks a shift from the liberal immigration regime of the past decade. African applicants, particularly those in the family reunification or economic migration streams, could face stiffer competition and delays in processing times.

Additionally, Canada has ended the practice of ‘flagpoling’, where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada at the border to expedite work permit renewals or other immigration services. This procedural change, aimed at streamlining border operations, will likely slow down the transition processes for many African migrants, especially those seeking quicker work permit renewals or study-to-work transitions.

Stricter Rules for International Students

Canada’s reputation as a top destination for international education has taken a hit with new measures aimed at controlling student inflows. International student admissions are now capped, particularly in popular urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. The move is intended to address housing shortages and ensure a more equitable distribution of students across Canada’s provinces. For African students, who often prefer metropolitan areas due to established communities and job opportunities, this cap may limit their choice of institutions and programs.

Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program add another layer of complexity. The duration of PGWPs is now more closely tied to the length of study programs, with shorter courses offering limited or no work permit eligibility. This is likely to affect African students disproportionately, as many choose shorter diploma or certificate programs due to financial constraints. This change reduces their ability to gain Canadian work experience, a critical factor for transitioning to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or the Canadian Experience Class.

Implications for African Migrants and Students

For African applicants, these changes mean more competition for fewer opportunities. The tightened immigration targets could increase processing times, while restrictions on student admissions and work permits make it harder to settle in Canada after completing studies. Many African students and migrants rely on pathways like the PGWP and Express Entry to build lives in Canada, and the new rules may force them to explore alternative destinations or longer routes to residency.

Canada’s approach appears to balance domestic priorities, such as addressing housing crises and labour shortages, with maintaining its global reputation as an immigrant-friendly nation. However, the policy shifts underscore the need for prospective migrants to carefully plan their applications, explore regional opportunities beyond major cities, and invest in longer, higher-credential study programs to maximize their chances of success.

For African students and migrants, adapting to these changes will be essential to navigating the evolving Canadian immigration landscape. As Canada adjusts its policies, the goal for many remains the same: building a future in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Abdullah Tijani

Abdullah Tijani studied Law at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and has over five years journalism experience, including writing on business and economy.

Recent Posts

94-year-old Adedapo Idowu registers for 2025 UTME to fulfil lifelong dream

A 94-year-old Adedapo Idowu has registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), showcasing… Read More

39 minutes ago

Chika Ike Denies Senator Ned Nwoko as Father of Her Unborn Child

Nollywood actress Chika Ike has publicly addressed and dismissed rumors circulating on social media regarding… Read More

1 hour ago

NLC Protests Mass Layoffs at IBEDC, Demands Worker Reinstatement

On Tuesday, the Oyo State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a significant… Read More

1 hour ago

Why Is PMS Consumption Rising in Nigeria Despite Subsidy Removal and Rising Inflation Rates?

Data from NMDPRA shows that the 2024 daily average consumption of PMS continued to rise,… Read More

2 hours ago

Explainer: Nigeria’s CPI Rebasing: Methodology, Significance, and Key Findings

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a critical economic measure that tracks changes in household… Read More

4 hours ago

The Harsh Reality of Nollywood: Halima Abubakar’s Plea and the Industry’s Financial Struggles

The recent emotional plea by Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar for financial assistance has once again… Read More

4 hours ago