ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS AND UNEMPLOYMENT REDUCTION AMONG YOUTH IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the role of entrepreneurial skills in reduction of unemployment among Nigerian youth. Convenience sampling technique was adopted to select (217) graduates in Ondo State. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study which metamorphosed into research hypotheses. The hypotheses formulated were tested using Chi-square (χ2) analysis. A chi-square coefficient (χ2) showed a positive relationship between entrepreneurial development programme on youth unemployment with the value of (x2 =130.291, df=09, p<05).This suggest that an increase in entrepreneurial development programme will reduce unemployment, also significant coefficient of (x2 =131.839, df=09, p<05) suggest that there is strong positive significant relationship between entrepreneurial skills and unemployment reduction. Based on the findings, the study concluded that creativity and skills acquisition are veritable tools for unemployment reduction in Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that curriculums should be reviewed to captured skills acquisitions right from the secondary school, also talent development through creativity should be given priority so that talent can now become a source of employment for self-reliance and sustainability. KEYWORD: Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurial Education, Reduction, Role and Unemployment