Business education: a veritable tool for youth empowerment for job-creation and poverty reduction. [A survey of Sokoto Metropolis]

Abstract

This study was aimed at exploring the potentials of business education as a strategic planning in combating youth unemployment challenges to job-creation and poverty reduction, with a focus on Sokoto-Metropolis, sokoto state, Nigeria. It was premised on three research objectives and corresponding three research questions, employing a survey research design approach. The target population comprised 150 young people, 30 lecturers, and 20 entrepreneurs in Sokoto-Metropolis. All the population of 200 was used as participants through a structured survey involving young programmes, data were collected and analyzed to determine the impact of business educative issues on youth empowerment. The findings revealed that while business education significantly and entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and self-reliance, practical application of learnt knowledge and competences of the curriculum exhibit that gaps exist. Additionally, alignment with the demands of the contemporary business environment is noted as an area sending improvement. Based on these findings, it was recommended for expanded access to business education, particularly in underserved areas, and advocates for stronger support system such as incubation centers and funding initiatives, to support young entrepreneurs. Enhanced collaborations between educational institutions and the private sector are suggested as bridge the gap between theoretical training and real-world application ultimate maximizing the potential of business education to mitigate youth unemployment and poverty reduction.