By Dr Ekpenyong Oboqua & Bella Olabisi Charles
Abstract
This study focused on community-based education skills acquisition programmes and unemployment reduction among youths in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, two null hypotheses were formulated and tested. The research design used was ex-post facto. The population of the study comprised 3,413 adult youths selected from nine local government areas of Cross River State. The sample for the study was 512 adult youths. A 26-item questionnaire titled Community-Based Education Skills Acquisition Programmes and Unemployment Reduction Questionnaire (CESAPURQ) was used for data collection. The instrument was validated and the reliability estimates ranged from 0.78 to 0.98, using split half reliability estimate method. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data of the study. The result showed that building and electrical/electronics installation skills acquisition programmes had a positive significant influence on unemployment reduction among youths in the study area. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made, among others, that government at all levels should embark on massive youths development programmes with entrepreneurial skills acquisition programmes.