YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN CAPACITY BUILDING IN NIGERIA: THE IMPERATIVES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION

Abstract

Youth unemployment and human capacity building is one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria today and has maintained a rising trend over the years. Within the framework of social constructionist theory, the paper examines the nexus between youth unemployment and human capacity building in Nigeria and the imperatives of entrepreneurship education. This study utilized data derived from primary and secondary sources. It argues that human capacity building is a continuous process of development that could be accomplished through entrepreneurial education. Technical human capacity building will serve as leverage for youth unemployment in the country. While the Nigerian government policies have not been able to effectively galvanize the private sector and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to create more jobs for the youths, however, the missing link is the negative correlation between the nation’s educational system and the kind of technical skills needed to achieve youth employability in the country. This study concludes that the dynamics of development at national, state and local levels in the country should involve the exposure of government change agents to participatory learning and action methodologies. This study therefore, recommends among others that, in the new global economy, young people need to acquire more than just basic education and curricula. They should be influenced by the current trends in globalization, entrepreneurial studies and technological transformation. Micro and Small Enterprises should be strengthened and supported both technically and financially by government, private sectors and NGOs. Also, appropriate monetary and fiscal policies are necessary for Nigeria to effectively address its youth unemployment and human capacity development problems.