Skill Acquisition for Youth Empowerment and Reduction of Unemployment in Ilorin Metropolis

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the role of skill acquisition as a strategic tool for youth empowerment and the reduction of unemployment within Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of skill acquisition programs in equipping young people with employable skills and facilitating their integration into the labor market. Specifically, the study seeks to: evaluate the extent to which skill acquisition programs contribute to youth empowerment; assess their impact on reducing unemployment; examine the alignment between acquired skills and labor market demands; identify challenges confronting these programs; and propose actionable solutions for their improvement.
The study employs a descriptive survey research design, which facilitates the collection and analysis of data on participants’ perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to skill acquisition initiatives. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 youth respondents from the Ilorin Metropolis, ensuring broad representation. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of two sections: demographic information and items aligned with the research objectives, measured on a four-point Likert scale.
Findings indicate that skill acquisition programs significantly enhance youth empowerment by fostering self-reliance, improving employability, and promoting entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was observed between skill acquisition and the reduction of youth unemployment, as well as between acquired skills and current labor market demands. However, the study also reveals several impediments to the effectiveness of these programs, including insufficient funding, lack of access to modern training facilities, inadequate number of qualified instructors, and poor inter-agency coordination.
Based on these findings, the study offers a number of recommendations to strengthen the impact of skill acquisition initiatives. These include increased government investment and resource allocation, targeted training and recruitment of qualified instructors, enhanced collaboration among government, private sector, and educational institutions, and the decentralization of programs to rural and underserved areas. Furthermore, regular review and modernization of training curricula are recommended to ensure alignment with evolving industry trends and technological advancements. Skill acquisition programs play a pivotal role in addressing youth unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth. When adequately supported and strategically implemented, these programs can transform the youth demographic into a productive, self-sufficient workforce that contributes meaningfully to national development.