THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN ENHANCING ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS: COVID-19 TOTAL LOCKDOWN AND POST ERA

Abstract

The study explored the roles of social media in enhancing the acquisition of entrepreneurship skills among Nigerian youths, retrospectively during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 and now, its post era. The study was guided by the uses and gratification theory as well as the social category theory. Using the triangulation method, a total of 10 social media influencers were interviewed while 2000 copies of questionnaire were administered to respondents within Anambra State. Findings revealed that 71. 4% of respondents acquired skills on social media during the lockdown with YouTube, Facebook and Instagram as the main media for these acquisitions. While further research is recommended in this area, however, there is a need for Government to provide appropriate infrastructure for better internet connectivity and also subsidize data costs by reducing the taxation of internet service providers. Furthermore, since it has been found that youths are the most active users of social media in Nigeria, in addition to the provision of grants and low-interest loans, Government should use these same social media for sensitization and orientation all geared towards effective youth productivity.