ENTREPRENEURIAL AND DIGITAL SKILLS NEEDED TO STEM THE TIDE OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Unemployment occurs where citizens find it difficult to secure a job to earn a living. The tide of unemployment has become a popular phenomenon in Nigeria. Many active Nigerians are dreaming of moving out of the country to seek greener pastures as a result of unemployment, poverty, insecurity, infrastructural deficit, poor standard of living among others. The dimension of youth unemployment in Nigeria is becoming worrisome and has taken its toll on the economy. This situation requires urgent attention. The study discussed causes of unemployment among Nigerian youths and how entrepreneurial and digital skills could help in reducing it. Descriptive research design was used to carry out the study. The population for the study comprised ninety (93) registered members of Association of Business Educators(ABEN), Oyo State Chapter. This study covered the whole population. Mean and standard deviation was used to analyse the research questions while formulated hypotheses were tested with t-test statistic. Findings from the study revealed that Nigerian youths needs entrepreneurial and digital skills to reduce unemployment. The study concludes that there is a compelling need to reduce the rate of youth unemployment to the acceptable global standard. The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders should work together in confronting the menace of unemployment through establishment of appropriate platforms for youth employment and empowerment.