Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024)
Articles

Education and Youth Economic Empowerment in the Digital Dispensation

Ngozi Ezema-Kalu
Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Foundations Ngozikalu88@gmail.com

Published 2024-03-08

Keywords

  • Youth,
  • economic empowerment,
  • unemployment,
  • entrepreneurship education,
  • skills acquisition,
  • IT skills training,
  • Rivers State,
  • Nigeria
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How to Cite

Ngozi Ezema-Kalu. (2024). Education and Youth Economic Empowerment in the Digital Dispensation. International Journal of Research in Education and Sustainable Development, 4(3), 42-59. https://www.openjournals.ijaar.org/index.php/ijresd/article/view/505

How to Cite

Ngozi Ezema-Kalu. (2024). Education and Youth Economic Empowerment in the Digital Dispensation. International Journal of Research in Education and Sustainable Development, 4(3), 42-59. https://www.openjournals.ijaar.org/index.php/ijresd/article/view/505

Abstract

This study examines youth economic empowerment strategies and their impact on unemployment in Rivers State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 367 youths residing in Rivers State. The study investigated the extent to which entrepreneurship education, skills acquisition, self-competence, and IT skills training contribute to reducing unemployment among young people. Mean and standard deviation analyses were conducted to assess respondents' perceptions of these strategies. The findings indicate a strong consensus among respondents regarding the effectiveness of youth economic empowerment initiatives in creating job opportunities and fostering economic growth. Specifically, respondents expressed positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship education, skills acquisition, and IT skills training as means to enhance employability and self-sufficiency. However, there were variations in perceptions regarding the willingness of youths to learn new IT skills. The study underscores the importance of context-specific interventions tailored to the needs and realities of young people in Rivers State. Key recommendations include expanding access to entrepreneurship education, strengthening vocational training programs, promoting ICT literacy, and facilitating access to finance for youth-led initiatives. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers and stakeholders can create an enabling environment for youth empowerment and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in Rivers State.

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