ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SKILL ACQUISITION: INDISPENSABLE TOOLS FOR COMBATING YOUTHS’ UNEMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined “entrepreneurship and skill acquisition: indispensable tools for combating youths’ unemployment and poverty reduction in Enugu state, Nigeria”. Three specific purposes and three research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and it was conducted in Enugu State. A total population of 120 participants who were successful in their businesses and skill areas were randomly selected and studied. A structured questionnaire was used for the study. Data collection was carried out by the researcher and three research assistants. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed fourteen (14) vital transferable skills needed for youth’s entrepreneurship; thirty-one (31) lucrative vocational skill areas youths can acquire; and twelve (12) ways entrepreneurship and skill acquisition can help in reducing youths’ unemployment and poverty. It was concluded that for one to become a successful entrepreneur, he/she must acquire and master the generic/transferable skills in addition to one or more vocational skills. Based on the findings, it was recommended that: there should be introduction of generic/transferable skills to Nigeria educational system; introduction of more entrepreneurship and skill courses into Nigeria education system; re- orienting the Nigeria youths towards embracing entrepreneurship and skill acquisition among others.