Un- employment of youths and graduates is becoming a problem in the country , and it’s consequences leading to vulnerability into crimes and criminalities.
The following strategic measures could be employed to address the menace in the country
1-Economic empowerment initiatives
- Entrepreneurship support
-This is by encouraging entrepreneurship through access to funding , mentorship and business development, training initiatives like the digital programmes, job opportunities and digital skill training
Vocational training
Implement vocational training program that equip young people with practical skills in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and tourism
Job creation initiatives
Foster public – private partnerships to creat jobs in emerging industrues such as renewable energy and technology
2 policy reforms and investments
- Education reforms
Align education system with market demands ,focusing on stem and vocational skills - Regional integration
Promote regional trade and economic integration to expand job market and opportunities
3: Addressing systemic challenges
- Good governance
This is ensuring transperent and efficient use of fund allocated for youth employment activities - Anti- corruption measures
Implement robust Anti- corruption measures to prevent embezullments of fund meant for youth programs
Youth engagement
Provide platform for young people to express concerns and participate in policy making
4 public – private- partnerships arrangements for unemployed youths and graduates using the following structures
Matching public private partnerships (ppps)
The suggestion is place various disciplines in the universities and polytechnic s graduates
- Engineering and technology
- Renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power can be developed through ppps creating jobs for Engineers and technicians
- – Infrastructure development like roads building and bridges can be undertaken through ppps employing civil engineers and construction workers
*Business and management
- Entrepreneurship program can be established through ppps providing training and funding for young entrepreneurs
- Business incubators and accelerators can be set up to support start ups and small business, creating employment opportunities for business graduates
- Environmental science and sustainability
Ppps can support green initiatives such as waste management and recycling program,employing environmental scientists and sustainable experts - sustainable Agricultural projects can be developed through ppps, creating jobs for Agricultural scientist and farmers
- Computer science and information technology
- Digital skill training programs can be established through ppps equipped youths with skills such as coding, data analysis and digital marketing
- Tech startups can be supported through ppps by creating employment opportunities fur IT professionals and software developers
- Agricultural and food science
Ppps can support Agricultural value chan development, creating job for Agricultural scientists ,farmers and food technologies - food processing and manufacturing initiatives
- this can be established through ppps employing food scientists and production staff
In conclusion the key areas of specialization is where youths can be identify to be employed with skill and employment opportunities, driving economic growth and development in the country.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
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