Youth unemployment in Nigeria is a critical issue that continues to impact the country’s economy and social stability. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. As of 2023, Nigeria’s population stands at an impressive 223,804,632 individuals. Unemployment in Nigeria is affecting individuals of all ages and having profound impacts on the economy and national security.

There are more than 80 million young people struggling with unemployment, out of a total youth population of 151 million. This statistic not only reveals the scale of the issue, but also positions Nigeria as having one of the highest rates of youth unemployment globally. The high level of unemployment presents challenges for the country, as it leads to social instability, economic stagnation and threatens national security.

Large Population

One reason for the youth unemployment in Nigeria is the country’s large population. This means that there are more people looking for work than there are available job opportunities, resulting in a high unemployment rate.

Additionally, Nigeria’s economy has fallen into recession in recent years, making it difficult for companies to create new jobs. The recession has forced many businesses to reduce their workforce, making it even more challenging for people to find jobs, according to Legit. The combination of a large population and a struggling economy has led to high levels of unemployment in Nigeria.

The Lack of Quality Education

The lack of education and training in Nigeria is a significant factor in the high rate of youth unemployment in the country. With more than 10.5 million children out of school, Nigeria has the highest rate of out-of-school children in the world. This not only affects the current education of children but also their future employment opportunities.

The education crisis disproportionately affects certain marginalized groups such as “girls, children with disabilities, those from the poorest households, those in street situations and children in geographically distant areas,” according to UNICEF.

Furthermore, a large percentage of children who attend primary school do not continue on to attend secondary school, leading to a significant portion of Nigerian children not receiving a complete education. UNICEF reports that 50% of Nigerian children did not attend secondary school in 2021, highlighting the continued challenges in providing quality education for all children in the country.

Government Corruption

Government corruption in Nigeria is a systemic issue that has plagued the country for decades. Corruption practices within the government have had far-reaching consequences, with youth unemployment being one of the most significant outcomes. One of the ways in which this contributes to youth unemployment in Nigeria is through the mismanagement of public funds, resulting in the lack of investment in youth development, which has a direct impact on the unemployment rate among young Nigerians.

Furthermore, nepotism often dictates who gets hired for available positions, with connections and bribes playing a more significant role than qualifications and merit. This unfair system not only perpetuates inequality but also limits the opportunities for talented and motivated youth to enter the workforce and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Overall, the prevalence of government corruption in Nigeria has created a vicious cycle where young people are unable to access quality education, training and employment opportunities, leading to high levels of youth unemployment.

Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan

The federal government launched the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP), a strategy that aims to address the issue of youth unemployment in the country. The plan aims to provide job opportunities for young Nigerians through various initiatives such as skills training, entrepreneurship programs and public works projects.

The goal of NIYEAP is to reduce the high levels of youth unemployment in Nigeria and harness the potential of the country’s young population to drive economic growth and development. The plan also aims to address the social and economic challenges faced by young people, such as poverty, lack of access to education and training and limited opportunities for meaningful employment. By focusing on creating sustainable employment opportunities for young Nigerians, NIYEAP seeks to empower them to become active participants in the country’s economic and social development.

Nigerian Learning Passport

The Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) is another initiative launched by the Nigerian government and UNICEF in 2022. This program focuses on providing Nigerian citizens with access to quality education and certifications through a digital platform. The platform offers a wide range of online courses from various institutions, allowing individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge in different fields.

By earning certifications through the NLP, users can showcase their expertise to potential employers and advance their careers. This platform serves as a valuable resource for lifelong learning and continuous education in Nigeria. UNICEF hopes to provide continuous education to 12 million learners by 2025.

As the youth population continues to grow in Nigeria, addressing youth unemployment must remain a top priority for policymakers. Failure to take decisive action risks undermining the country’s economic development and social stability and denying young people the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society.

– Beatrice Adewumi
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