Problems and Counselling Needs of Unemployed Youths in Nigeria

Abstract

Unemployment is an issue that has bedeviled Nigeria for quite some time now. Unemployment has a negative multiplier effect not only on the individual involved but on the society as well. Toward this end, this study is designed to explore the problems and counselling needs of unemployed youths in Nigeria. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select 1,750 unemployed youths from the six geo-political zones of the country including Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. A research instrument titled “Problems and Counselling Needs of Unemployed Youths Questionnaire” [PACNUYQ] was used to gather relevant data for the study. In each of the sampled states, research assistants, who were acquainted with the nature and modalities of their assignment, were employed. Data collected was analysed through the use of mean ratings, ranks and the t-test statistical method. Unemployed youths in Nigeria have problems in clusters of finance, family- related, health–related and socio-psychological and their most counselling need is how to develop skills that will make them to be marketable in the world of work. Implications of the findings and recommendations are discussed.