Entrepreneurial Skill Acquisition Programmes and Youth Empowerment in Southern Senatorial District of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Youth unemployment remains one of Nigeria's most pressing developmental challenges, and its effects are especially acute in rural, resource-constrained districts such as the Southern Senatorial Zone of Taraba State. This study examined the influence of entrepreneurial skill acquisition programmes on youth empowerment across five Local Government Areas in the Southern Senatorial District of Taraba State: Donga, Ibi, Takum, Ussa, and Wukari. Anchored in Human Capital Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 384 respondents drawn through proportionate stratified random sampling from programme beneficiaries. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument, validated through expert review and pilot testing with a reliability coefficient (Cronbach Alpha) of 0.81. Findings show that participation in vocational and entrepreneurial training programmes significantly improved youth self-employment rates (from 18.2% to 63.7%), household income, and personal confidence. Tailoring and fashion design and welding and fabrication were the most commonly acquired skills. Key barriers included inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, weak mentorship structures, and socio-cultural constraints. The study recommends sustained government investment, improved programme coordination, and the integration of mentorship into skill acquisition curricula to produce lasting empowerment outcomes.