Perspectives on meaning of patriotism among Nigerian postgraduates at a public university in Malaysia

This study seeks to understand both the meaning and feelings of patriotism among Nigerian students in Diaspora especially those who pursue studies overseas. and to shed light on the rationale behind the mass exodus of young Nigerian students from their homeland. By so doing, to assess the long- and short-term implications of this mass exodus from their country of origin. Qualitative research was employed to understand the perspectives of the respondents through individual in depth interviews. Snowball sampling was used also as the respondents assisted in providing contacts of more useful respondents. Finally. individual in depth interviews were conducted among seven (7) respondents who are post graduate students studying in one of the public higher institution of learning in Malaysia.They represented diverse voices and experiences. The recent literature clearly demonstrates there is an obvious need to galvanise the many potentials possessed by Nigerian youth who have left their homeland for diaspora especially for studies. The findings revealed that most Nigerians in Diaspora understand patriotism as giving their all to their home country in terms of loyalty. In addition. the study showed that most Nigerians in diaspora understand patriotism to mean a more constructive allegiance between the country's leaders and its citizens in upholding the ideals of the nation. It also suggests that most respondents are earnestly desirous to participate in the development of their homeland, but that there are lingering negative attitudes and feelings of ambivalence due to the country's leadership failure to harness its immense resources so as to facilitate inclusive participation in the country's development. Despite the fact that majority of the respondents complained about the leadership failure to galvanise the immense resources in the country and to facilitate avenues for their participation in the country development as the future leaders, throughout the interactive sections with them it indicated their feelings of patriotism have not depreciated. Thus. for them they understood patriotism to mean non negotiable loyalty as majority of them desire in future to honour any nation's call to serve their nation as potential human resource capital in different capacities.

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