Higher Education Curriculum and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria

In: http://hdl.handle.net/11599/1882

Abstract

Youth empowerment is a structural and cultural process whereby young people gain the ability, authority, and agency to make decisions and implement changes in their own lives and the lives of other people. It is often addressed as a gateway to intergenerational equity, civic engagement and democracy building. Youth empowerment and development are vital stages in life for building the human capital that allows young people to avoid poverty and live better, and possibly have a more fulfilling life. All of these, probably could be achieved through dynamic curriculum of the higher education. // Upon this backdrop, this study examined higher education curriculum and youth empowerment in Nigeria. The study employed the descriptive research design of the survey type. The population for the study consisted lecturers of higher education in Ekiti and Oyo states, Nigeria. The sample used for the study was 500 lecturers who were purposely selected from the institutions. The instrument titled Questionnaire on Higher Education Curriculum and Youth Empowerment (QHECYE) was used for the study. Data collected were analyzed using t-test statistics. All the hypotheses raised were tested at 0.05 level of significant. // The study revealed significant relationship between conventional and, National Open Universities curriculum, and entrepreneurship education, Technical/Vocational education and youth's empowerment. The study strongly recommended full implementation of improved, innovative and dynamic curriculum in higher education in Nigeria to promote youth empowerment and development through skill acquisition and training. Also, the curriculum should specified one skill acquisition for all higher education students before awarded certificates. This study strongly believed that improved implementation of the practical areas of the curriculum would bring the convectional higher education and ODL to the attainments of its potentials. // Paper ID: 236