1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Youth unemployment has become one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing both developed and developing nations. in the context of developing countries like Nigeria, it has evolved into a critical issue threatening national security, economic growth, and social stability. The youth, defined by the United Nations as individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, represent a vital segment of any nation's labor force, and their exclusion from productive employment has devastating implications for both the economy and society (United Nations, 2022).
In Nigeria, youth unemployment has steadily increased over the past two decades due to a combination of factors, including poor economic planning, the mismatch between education and labor market needs, political instability, and a lack of adequate infrastructure and support for entrepreneurship. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022), over 42% of Nigeria’s youth population is unemployed, and many more are underemployed, working in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills or education (National Bureau of Statistics, 2022).
Okafor (2021) asserted that the socio-economic effects of youth unemployment are far-reaching. Economically, it leads to a decline in national output and increased poverty levels. Socially, unemployed youths are more vulnerable to criminal activities, substance abuse, and radicalization. The prolonged unemployment of the youth population can result in a loss of hope, psychological trauma, and a general breakdown of societal values (Okafor, 2021).
According to Akinwale (2020), the socio-economic impact of youth unemployment is multidimensional. Economically, it results in a loss of potential output and income, thereby contributing to poverty and economic stagnation. Socially, unemployed youths are more likely to engage in anti-social behaviors such as armed robbery, internet fraud, drug trafficking, and terrorism (Akinwale, 2020). The inability of the government and private sector to absorb the teeming population of graduates and skilled youths into meaningful employment has led to widespread frustration and disenchantment, which in turn fuels political instability and insecurity.
Unemployment, in its broadest sense according to ILO (2023), refers to a situation in which individuals who are capable of working and are actively seeking work are unable to find any gainful employment (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2023). Youth unemployment, a subset of this broader issue, specifically refers to the unemployment of individuals typically aged between 15 and 35 years, who are willing and able to work but are jobless despite their efforts (National Bureau of Statistics [NBS], 2022). The unemployment rate among youths has reached alarming levels, with millions of graduates and skilled individuals unable to find suitable employment.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022), the youth unemployment rate stood at over 42%, a figure that reflects deep structural issues within the economy, such as low industrial growth, poor education-job match, corruption, and lack of entrepreneurial support systems. Adebayo (2020) reported that the issue of youth unemployment has become a global concern and is particularly acute in developing countries like Nigeria. It poses a serious challenge to the socio-economic development of any nation as it results in wasted human resources, social unrest, increased dependency ratio, and higher crime rates (Adebayo, 2020). Therefore, this study is motivated by the need to critically examine the Impact and Effects of Youth Unemployment on Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that youth unemployment is increasingly becoming a barrier to achieving sustainable socio-economic progress. The inability of many young people to find meaningful employment is leading to wasted potential, as a large segment of the population remains idle, frustrated, and disconnected from productive activities (Akinwale, 2020). Additionally, the frustration and hopelessness experienced by unemployed youths is fueling social vices such as crime, drug abuse, and political unrest, which threatens community safety and cohesion (Okafor, 2021).
Furthermore, the problem is compounded by the mismatch between the skills youths acquire and the demands of the labor market, which leaves many qualified individuals unable to secure jobs in their areas of expertise (Ojo, 2021). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to explore the impact and effects of youth unemployment on the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact and effects of youth unemployment on the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current government policies and programs aimed at reducing youth unemployment.
- To assess the relationship between youth unemployment and social problems such as crime and poverty.
- To analyze the socio-economic effects of youth unemployment on national development.
- To examine the extent and causes of youth unemployment in Nigeria.
- To recommend strategies that can enhance youth employment and promote sustainable socio-economic development.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated:
- What is the extent and what are the primary causes of youth unemployment in Nigeria?
- How does youth unemployment affect the socio-economic development of the country?
- What is the relationship between youth unemployment and social issues such as crime and poverty?
- How effective are the existing government policies and programs in addressing youth unemployment?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve youth employment and foster sustainable socio-economic development?
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will benefit educational institutions and training centers by identifying gaps between the skills youths acquire and the needs of the labor market, thereby encouraging curriculum reforms that will better prepare young people for employment. Also, inform youth organizations and NGOs working on employment and empowerment programs, helping them design more effective interventions.
Furthermore, the research will enable employers and the private sector to better understand the challenges faced by young job seekers, encouraging them to create more inclusive hiring practices.
Lastly, this study will raise awareness among the general public, especially the youth, about the challenges of unemployment and the importance of proactive engagement in entrepreneurial and skill development activities.
1.6 Scope of Study
This study focuses on examining the impact and effects of youth unemployment on the socio-economic development of Lagos State, Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
Several limitations were encountered during the course of this study, which may have influenced the results and conclusions.
- Delay from Respondents: Many participants experienced time constraints or hesitated to commit to the study due to their busy schedules. This delay limited the volume of data that could be gathered within the planned timeframe.
- Financial Constraints: Due to budget limitations, there was insufficient funding to expand the research to a larger sample size or to include more varied geographic locations, which might have provided a broader perspective.
- Time Constraints: The time available for conducting the study was limited, reducing the possibility of performing a more in-depth longitudinal analysis.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Youth Unemployment: Youth unemployment refers to the condition where young people within the working age, typically between 15 and 35 years, are willing and able to work but are unable to find employment opportunities. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2021), youth unemployment is often higher than adult unemployment and poses a significant challenge to economic growth and social stability.
Socio-Economic Development: Socio-economic development is the process through which a society improves the economic well-being and quality of life of its people. This includes improvements in income, education, health, and social welfare (Todaro & Smith, 2020). It involves the creation of opportunities that enable individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.
Impact: Impact in this context refers to the direct and indirect effects or consequences that youth unemployment has on the economic and social structures of a society. This includes effects on poverty levels, crime rates, social cohesion, and overall economic productivity (World Bank, 2019).
Social Effects: Social effects are the consequences of youth unemployment that influence societal behavior and relationships, such as increased crime, mental health issues, and reduced social participation (Akande, 2018).
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