ABSTRACT
This paper aims to examine an assessment of mass media role in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
The issue of youth unemployment by stating that "Nigeria faces a significant problem of persistent youth unemployment. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the job market with limited job prospects. Nigerian streets are crowded with young street vendors who would have otherwise found gainful employment in various enterprises. The self-employed individuals are also facing challenges due to inadequate infrastructure hindering their trade. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for this age group is 42.5%. It is crucial to note that the youth population is experiencing a steady growth rate.
This study has contributed to knowledge by providing relevant information to youths and those who are not aware unemployment level can be reduced by the use of mass media. The study also contributes to literature on an assessment of mass media role in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
The study was delimited to the following scope of the study. The study is to be carried out among youths in Oyo state who use social media. Therefore, the respondents covered youths in Oyo state who use social media.
In this study, data were collected from youths in Oyo state who use social media by using questionnaires each respondent answered question according to his/her understanding towards the problem.
As a result of the inability of the researcher to effectively study the whole population strength, a representative number was chosen as the sample size population, 70 respondents was used as the sample size. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained through questionnaire and personal interviews with the respondents. Tables and simple percentage was used as technique of analyzing the research questions.
Findings from the study revealed that the internet has reduced unemployment in Nigeria.
More than half of respondents used for the study agreed that information and knowledge are critical resources for the survival of human beings and for ensuring sustainable development.
Mass media plays a significant role in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Unemployment among young people persists as a destructive force deeply affecting the foundations of our nation. It continues to be a significant topic of conversation that demands swift and immediate resolution, particularly in a country aspiring to compete with developed nations worldwide. The youth represent the dynamic workforce responsible for a country's production and policy implementation, necessitating their full involvement in national affairs.
In recent times, the role of young people in nation building has sparked crucial discussions and established definitive policy agendas essential for the progress, planning, and implementation of any country's policies (Ayinla and Ogunmeru, 2018). This underscores the significance of young people in nation building, and we must not underestimate their potential and influence as they embody Nigeria's future leaders.
The definition of youth varies from country to country depending on their respective legal frameworks. In Nigeria, as stated by the Nigerian Population Commission in Osakwe (2013), youth are classified as individuals between the ages of 18 and 24. However, this presents a dilemma because the legal age of adulthood and voting rights in Nigeria is set at 18.
According to the Second National Youth Policy Document of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2009), youth are defined as Nigerian citizens, both male and female, aged between 18 and 35 years. On a global scale, the United Nations (2023) defines 'youth' as individuals aged between 15 and 24 years, while the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) defines youth as those in the age group of 15-24 years. It is important to note that the definition provided the United Nations may vary among different member states.
The prosperity and advancement of a nation depend on the size of its workforce. According to World Bank data, as of 2014, the unemployment rate among Nigerian individuals aged 15 to 24, who are part of the labor force, stood at 13.6%. This percentage is based on a total labor force of 55,784,248. However, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's labor force has seen an increase, reaching 83,875,253 in 2016 (Ayinla and Ogunmeru, 2018).
Okafor (2011) succinctly highlighted the issue of youth unemployment by stating that "Nigeria faces a significant problem of persistent youth unemployment. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the job market with limited job prospects. Nigerian streets are crowded with young street vendors who would have otherwise found gainful employment in various enterprises. The self-employed individuals are also facing challenges due to inadequate infrastructure hindering their trade. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for this age group is 42.5%. It is crucial to note that the youth population is experiencing a steady growth rate.
The role of mass media has gained increasing importance in tackling the issue at hand. According to Locksley (2009), the media plays a crucial role in driving economic growth by generating substantial revenue streams and creating job opportunities directly linked to the economy. He argues that improved access to knowledge leads to higher levels of literacy, strengthening human capital and ultimately enhancing productivity. Likewise, the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom (2006) stresses the significance of knowledge creation and dissemination as essential elements of the development process. The DFID recognizes the media as a valuable medium for storing and sharing knowledge with the general public.
Significantly, the media plays a vital role in producing content that informs and shapes public discourse on various issues, including unemployment and job opportunities. Girard (2003) suggests that the developmental impact of media content depends on its relevance. Mass media platforms such as television, radio, newspapers, and digital channels have the potential to raise awareness, disseminate information, and influence public opinion regarding employment-related issues.
Understanding the effectiveness of mass media in reducing youth unemployment is vital for informing policy-making and program development. Hence, this paper aims to evaluate the role of mass media in mitigating youth unemployment in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Unemployment has become deeply ingrained in Nigeria's economic system, particularly among its youth aged 18 to 35, who lack productivity and are not engaged in any form of creative or gainful employment. Nwankwor and Ifejiofor (2014) argue that the scale of unemployment in Nigeria is so significant that it cannot be effectively addressed through mere campaigns or verbal appeals. The consequences of this widespread unemployment, such as low productivity, increased crime rates, lack of innovation, and public disorder, are prevalent throughout Nigerian society.
The surge in internet fraud has become a contentious issue within the system, involving youth who are unable to find legal employment due to various circumstances. As a result of the escalating unemployment rate, young people are being manipulated for destructive purposes during elections, and some are even involved in ritual killings and other illicit activities, significantly impeding Nigeria's development (Ayinla and Ogunmeru, 2018).
These pressing issues must be urgently addressed, with solutions sought to enhance Nigeria's reputation and serve the best interests of all. Moreover, these solutions should facilitate increased productivity by effectively integrating the abundant human and material resources available into the production process (Ayinla and Ogunmeru, 2018).
The mass media, with its extensive reach and influence, has the potential to play a crucial role in reducing youth unemployment. It can achieve this by promoting entrepreneurship, providing career guidance, and fostering skills development. However, the effectiveness of the mass media in addressing this issue has not been thoroughly investigated especially in Nigeria. This research aims to fill this gap in knowledge by assessing the role of mass media in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to assess the role of mass media in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of the study are:
1. To review the existing literature on the role of mass media in reducing youth unemployment.
2. To assess the effectiveness of mass media initiatives, campaigns, and programs in addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria.
3. To provide recommendations for improving the role of mass media in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
1.5 Research Questions
1. What is the role of mass media in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria?
2. How effective are mass media initiatives, campaigns, and programs in addressing youth unemployment?
3. What recommendations can be made to enhance the role of mass media in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
H0: Mass media does not play a significant role in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
H1: Mass media plays a significant role in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
1.7 Justification of the Study
The high youth unemployment rate in Nigeria calls for effective strategies and interventions to address this pressing issue. Mass media, as a powerful communication tool, has the potential to reach a wide audience and influence perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. By assessing the role of mass media in reducing youth unemployment, this study contributes to the understanding of its effectiveness and provides valuable insights for policy-makers, media practitioners, and organizations involved in youth employment initiatives.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This study focuses specifically on the role of mass media in reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.
