YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND THE MISMATCH BETWEEN EDUCATION AND THE LABOUR MARKET IN AFRICA: NIGERIA AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Youth employment is one of the most discussed topic in Africa. youth employment is supposed to contribute to the development and the growth of the economy but due to the challenges faced such as the skills mismatch , economic instability , education and labour market misalignment it has seem impossible, however policy reforms can be implemented to solve these problems. This paper aims to review and analyze the mismatch between education and labour market in Africa a factor that contributes to youth employment in Africa and how it can be eradicated. The article reviews evidence provided by recent research studies from the ILO, UNESCO on youth employment and labour market mismatch. The mismatch between education and labour market in Africa is a big challenge that can’t be ignored, a situation whereby an employee applies for a job and is rejected because their skill don’t match with what the employer is seeking for at the moment which draws back to how the education system is structured in Africa particularly Nigeria whereby schools don’t focus on practical and digital skills but are more particular on rote learning and at the time they graduate they have no skills that might be useful in the labour market. Schools curriculum should be restructured and incorporate practical and digital skills that is needed in the labour market, while the government ensures the creation of more job opportunities.