How to overcome youth unemployment in Nigeria

Youth unemployment has become a nightmare in Nigeria. Young people account for two thirds of the unemployed and underemployed population. According to the 2016 Global Youth Development Index, Nigeria ranked 158th out of 183 countries in the domain of employment and opportunities. One troubling feature of the economic growth problem in Nigeria is its inability […]

Youth unemployment has become a nightmare in Nigeria. Young people account for two thirds of the unemployed and underemployed population. According to the 2016 Global Youth Development Index, Nigeria ranked 158th out of 183 countries in the domain of employment and opportunities. One troubling feature of the economic growth problem in Nigeria is its inability to create more jobs.

Considering the growing youth population, estimated to reach 135 million by 2020, this is a significant concern. The high rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria has and is still causing setback for the country. Youth are found wondering all around the country with no job and this makes them to get involved in many social vices.

The causes of the growing unemployment rate include; high population growth, rural-urban migration, poor leadership and high level of corruption.  Solving this menace will require a lot of sacrifice like the present #changebeginswithme, this will go a long way in curbing corruption. The government must also be effective in performing its duties. A socio-economic environment should be created. The government should look into each sector of the economy and work to provide the necessary infrastructure to make them work and employ people.

Agriculture is one of the major sectors and the government has to do everything possible to attract private investors. Improvement of energy supply and transport system will cut high cost of production and encourage many people to go into that area.

Reformation of the educational system is very necessary. The educational system needs to be reformed in order to produce skilled graduates, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Practice and research should be priority, not just the theoretical learning.

Also, the government needs to build schools, provide amenities and job opportunities in rural areas. This will cut the level of migration to cities, thus reducing high population and unemployment in the cities.

The masses also need to change their attitudes, especially during elections. We need to understand our responsibility. We should vote for people with credibility, answers and readiness to work. This will determine the way we live as a people.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu wrote this piece from Bayero University, Kano.