THE IMPACT OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT ON SOCIO- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the phenomenon of youth unemployment, its prevalence and form, causes and effects on socio economic development in Benue State. Cross sectional study design was used while youths and adults constituted population of the study. Data were collected using questionnaire and key informant interviews. Structural and frictional youth unemployment was dominant among the people. The findings show that, the causes of youth unemployment in the study area include inability of government to effectively implement youth empowerment programmes, corruption by government officials and overpopulation. Others include improper socialization, decaying moral values, rapid urbanization, ignorance, lack of entrepreneurship skills, lack of industrialization, outdated school curriculum, untimely business policies and poor economic growth in the country. The effects of youth unemployment on socio economic development were found to include consistent violence, armed robbery, insecurity, political thuggery, prostitution, militancy, vandalism. Others include proliferation of arms, drug abuse, political instability, stress, frustration, depression, hostility, abduction, murder and election rigging which have collectively adversely affected socio economic development in Benue State. It recommended for technical, vocational and entrepreneurship education and effective economic policies to tackle the problem of youth unemployment in the area.