Concerns over persistent, rising youth unemployment
Youth unemployment in Nigeria is a complex issue with multiple underlying causes. With a growing population and limited employment options, young people are left struggling to find meaningful work, ANITA IBEACHU writes.
NIGERIA, the most populous country in Africa, is grappling with a significant challenge – youth unemployment.
The term “youth” refers to individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 years old, and this segment of the population comprises a substantial portion of Nigeria’s workforce. Unfortunately, many young Nigerians find themselves without gainful employment despite their energy and potential. According to the National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS), where it measured unemployment rate among youth between the ages of 15 to 24 years, it increased to 7.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, using the new methodology.
This figure not only highlights the magnitude of the problem but also raises concerns about its long- term consequences for economic growth and social stability. The Guardian gathered that Nigeria’s youth population unemployment is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Also, with the nation’s largest demographic group facing limited job opportunities and an uncertain future, it is crucial to explore government initiatives aimed at tackling the challenge head- on.
Experts on labour and youth matters said addressing youth unemployment requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on creating more job opportunities while equipping young people with relevant skills needed in today’s competitive job market.
They said that it calls for targeted
government interventions that prioritise investment in education, vocational training programmes, entrepreneurship support initiatives, as well as public- private partnerships aimed at fostering economic growth.
A tech researcher and analyst, Olufemi Ariyo, said that numerous factors contribute to the unfortunate situation, of which he said one major cause is the disparity between job opportunities and the growing number of young people entering the labour market each year.
According to him, limited access to quality education and skill development programmes further exacerbates the issue. Citing the causes of youth unemployment in Nigeria, he highlighted the role of education and skill development in addressing the challenge.
He said Nigeria, with a growing population and limited employment options, young people are left struggling to find meaningful work.
He said another major cause of youth unemployment is the mismatch between
skills acquired through education and those demanded by employers.
According to him, many graduates enter the job market without the necessary skills or experience required for available positions, leading to high rates of underemployment or complete joblessness.
Additionally, he said inadequate infrastructure and insufficient investment in key industries hinder economic growth and limit job creation.
Ariyo said by addressing issues such as limited job opportunities, skill gaps, infrastructure deficits, corruption, and gender inequality head- on, the country can create an environment that empowers young people to succeed professionally while driving economic growth for all sectors of society.
He said: “Youth entrepreneurship is a no- fail approach to tackling unemployment in Nigeria. We must offer 360- degree leadership in promoting youth entrepreneurship. By encouraging young people to start their businesses, they can create job opportunities for themselves and even employ others in the process.
“There are several initiatives that have been put in place by the government and other organisations to support and empower aspiring young entrepreneurs. These initiatives include providing access to funding, mentorship programmes, business development training and networking opportunities.”
The Director- General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association ( NECA), Adewale- Smatt Oyerinde, canvassed technical and vocational skills as a way out to tackle youth unemployment.
He said it was high time the nation deepened its advocacy and capacity for technical and vocational skills.
He said: “It is not everyone that must go to the university and look for a white- collar job; we must also deepen our capacity for technical and vocational skills.
“The government can strengthen institutions like the Industrial Training Fund ( ITF) so that they can fulfill their objectives of improving and enhancing skills acquisition in Nigeria.
“The idea is, once you get more youths trained on certain technical and vocational skills, they can become entrepreneurs and employ more people. We can’t run away from white collar jobs because businesses would still need them to play certain roles in the country, but technical and vocational skills are the skills to build the nations.” Oyerinde urged youths to have the requisite skills and competency to own businesses and become entrepreneurs and ultimately employers of labour.
A Professor of Economics and Director, the Centre for Economic Policy Analysis and Research ( CEPAR), University of Lagos ( UNILAG), Ndubisi Nwokoma, urged the government to remove obstacles to production.