The influence of literacy education on youth development in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of literacy education on youth development in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with a population comprising all youths in the metropolis. A sample of 300 youths was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.78. Descriptive statistics (percentages) were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics (chi-square) were used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a statistically significant influence of literacy education on youth involvement in community development programmes, political participation, and vocational skill acquisition in the Ilorin Metropolis. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the literacy education curriculum be revised to emphasise skills acquisition. Likewise, the government and relevant stakeholders should increase investment in literacy education initiatives to enhance youth development in the region.