Youth Unemployment and Entrepreneurship Prospects in Nigeria: A Developmental Perspective

Abstract

The paper discussed the interface of a youthful population, in terms of the abundant capacity this demographic group possesses, to socio-economic and human development of any society. It further examined the consequences of allowing a misdirection or misapplication of the capacity as a result of unemployment on the various levels of human interaction (personal, household and community). The different dimensions of unemployment were considered with a view to understanding the appropriate intervention strategies at tackling this social issue. The subject of entrepreneurship and its dynamics were examined and considered as the best strategies at tackling the problem of and its attendant consequences. Amongst which are timely government interventions in the area of providing finance, availing training opportunities for youth as well as creating an environment void of that religious, ethnic and political violence and crisis.

Keywords: Youth, Unemployment, Development and Entrepreneurship