SKILL ACQUISITION AS TOOL FOR SOLVING YOUTH RESTIVENESS AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF NYSC

Abstract

As of late, the scourge of abducting, cybercrime, terrorism, armed robbery, prostitution, brain drain among others has established an oddity among young people. For this, federal government have acquainted several scheme to assist in checking joblessness among youths. In March 2012, the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) initiative introduced Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship (SAED) Programs into the NYSC orientation course content. The objectives of the scheme incorporate sensitization and mobilization of young graduates for skill acquisition, assistance of preparing and tutoring in business enterprise development. This study look at the usefulness of the NYSC-SAED program in reducing youth restiveness and unemployment among young graduates in Nigeria. 60 Corp members currently serving were interviewed using key informant interview and Focus Group Discussions. Significant theoretical and empirical literature were reviewed. This research was supported on Strain Theory. The study population comprises of 60 Corp members selected arbitrarily from Anambra State. The information gathered were analysed using simple percentages and descriptive statistics. Greater part of the respondents recognized that the NYSC-SAED program has made them to become independent after the service year since they set up their independent company with the little training they got. The study therefore recommend that efforts ought to be geared towards leasing with financial institutions and protection offices to help in giving funds and protection which will help in living condition and improve their businesses. Likewise, SAED handouts ought to be made accessible to all Corp members at the camp at no expense to guarantee full participation by every one of them in the training.    Keywords: Skill Acquisition, Training, Unemployment, NYSC-SAED, Mobilization, Entrepreneurship Mentoring.