Youth Unemployment and the use of social connections in gaining access into the Nigerian labour market: Perspectives of Unemployed Youths In South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

The unemployment situation in Nigeria has become so alarming that youth transition into the labour market is highly dependent on social connections.  This study investigated Youth Unemployment and use of Social Connections in gaining access into the Labour Market: Perspectives of Unemployed  Youths in South-West Nigeria. Ondo, Oyo and Lagos States were systematically selected from the South-Western Zone. The unit of analysis comprised 460  respondents randomly selected from the three states. A combination of both quantitative and qualitative techniques was adopted in order to use the  strengths of one method to complement the weakness of the other. Consequently, a structured questionnaire was administered on 450 job seekers  to generate primary data for quantitative analysis, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants for the qualitative aspect. Securing paid  employment in Nigeria is hardly possible without the use of social connections (96.5%). Job seekers adopt the strategy of getting connected to religious  leaders (85%), political office holders (88%), traditional rulers (64.6%), business owners (72.5%), politicians (92.4%). The use of social networks leads to  neglect of merit (68%), disregard for skills and competences (74%), promotes nepotism (65.2%) and workers’ poor performance (61.4%). The Nigerian  government should reverse the trend of unemployment to ensure equal opportunities and level playing grounds for job applicants navigating the labour  market, as well as encourage entrepreneurial engagement in order to reduce the pressure on the formal sector.