Researchers have advocated job creation and specialised skills training as measures that could help Nigeria address its growing security challenges.
Agbi-Etuk Aduratomi and Adeyemi O A made the recommendation in a study titled “The Role of Technology Forecasting on Unemployment: A Panacea to Insecurity in North Central Nigeria.”
The study examined the relationship between unemployment and insecurity and investigated how technology forecasting could help identify future employment opportunities and guide skills development.
The researchers proposed that government and relevant institutions should establish specialised training centres capable of preparing young people for emerging jobs.
They argued that forecasting future technological and employment trends would enable Nigeria to train its young population for skills that would be relevant to the changing labour market.
The study’s survey of 60 respondents in Abuja revealed a significant demand for such training. About 98.3 per cent of respondents expressed interest in specialised training for future employment opportunities identified through technology forecasting.
The researchers also highlighted the challenge of unemployment among educated young Nigerians. The survey showed that 80 per cent of respondents were aged between 18 and 28, while 70 per cent held bachelor’s degrees.
On the duration of unemployment, 63.3 per cent of respondents had been unemployed for less than one year, while 23.3 per cent had been unemployed for between one and three years.
The researchers argued that prolonged unemployment can increase economic vulnerability and that creating opportunities for young people should form part of efforts to address insecurity.
Their analysis of secondary data indicated a direct relationship between unemployment and crime/insecurity. However, they acknowledged that their primary survey in Abuja did not effectively establish the same relationship.
The researchers consequently recommended increased investment in specialised institutions and policies designed around future employment opportunities.
They also called for further studies to determine the actual employment outcomes of graduates from specialised programmes and how quickly they secure employment after training.
The study concluded that combining technology forecasting, specialised skills development and job creation could help reduce unemployment while contributing to productivity, investment and economic growth.
The researchers’ central message is that Nigeria’s response to insecurity should also address the economic conditions and employment challenges confronting its young population.
