Exploring Human Capital Development: Perspectives of Young Adults (aged 18-25) in Lagos, Nigeria

Under-utilization of youth human capital and youth delusion, has the attendant effect of increased crime, insecurity, deplorable infrastructure, loss of foreign investment, revenue loss, etc. The large population of young adults (age 18-25) in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a source of human capital development. There is little to no literature on the young adults’ (age 18-25) perspectives on their human capital development in Lagos State. The purpose of this study was to understand the perspectives of young adults (age 18-25) on their human capital development needs. Research questions focused on understanding young adults’ perception on human capital development; how youth human capital can be harnessed for sustainable development of Lagos State, Nigeria, through policy formulated from the perspective of the young adult and the effect of the presence or lack of human capital development on the young adults. The theoretical frameworks for this study were the human capital theory espoused by Becker and Speth's punctuated equilibrium theory. A qualitative case study design approach was adopted using purposive sampling to conduct semistructured interviews of 20 university students in Lagos State. Data from the interviews were analyzed using NVivo, and thematic analysis was used to transcribe data, develop codes and themes, and analyze the same. The results included a need to harness the untapped resources of the young adults through empowerment initiatives derived from their perspectives. The implication for social change includes contributing to the body of knowledge for policymakers and young adults (age 18-25), synergy with the government of Lagos State, Nigeria, increased creativity, crime reduction, to increase revenue for the overall sustainable development of Lagos State.