TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP APPROACH TO ALLEVIATING THE PROBLEM OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTH

Many Nigerian youth find themselves idle at home after graduating from higher education due to their inability to secure jobs. Also, a significant number of unemployed youth have chosen to travel to other countries in search of better opportunities, sometimes taking dangerous and illegal routes that have resulted in loss of life. This phenomenon is largely attributed to widespread unemployment in the country. Numerous parents have made great sacrifices to educate their children, and they hold high hopes for their success upon graduation, yet many are left disappointed. The desire to repay their parents for their sacrifices is overshadowed by the frustration imposed by the current unemployment crisis, which is negatively impacting the economy of various Nigerian states. Upon completing their higher education, many young adults become a financial burden to their families, and the shame of having to rely on their parents again is a significant concern for them. Despite this overwhelming embarrassment, many youths feel they have no choice but to pursue quick and often illegal means of income, such as internet fraud and other illicit activities. This paper will examine the concept of transformational leadership, the biblical perspective on unemployment, the causes and consequences of youth unemployment, and how transformational leadership can help mitigate this issue. It is recommended that pastors, as transformational leaders, should play a role in guiding youth by educating them about God's love and plans for humanity, as well as the dangers of taking shortcuts in life due to their unemployment status. They should emphasise contentment as an important Christian value for young believers and organise workshops through the church that provide financial assistance to help them secure employment.