Acquisition of Digital Skills and Its Impact on Unemployment Reduction among Nigerian Youth

This paper examines the impact of digital skills acquisition on reducing unemployment among Nigerian youth, with a specific focus on youths in Ido Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State. Youth unemployment remains a persistent socio-economic challenge in Nigeria, exacerbated by a skills mismatch between educational outcomes and labour market demands. The paper employs a quantitative research design, utilizing primary data collected through structured, closed-ended questionnaires administered to 100 respondents, as determined by Taro Yamane’s sample size formula. The research examines the impact of digital skill acquisition on job creation, employability, and the mitigation of employment barriers among Nigerian youth. A multiple linear regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between digital skills acquisition, socio-economic and individual benefits, and barriers to digital training, and their collective impact on unemployment reduction. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation (R = 0.554) and a statistically significant regression result (p < 0.001), indicating that digital skills acquisition significantly enhances employment prospects. These findings align with previous research by Mohammed et al. (2021), which emphasized the role of practical skills in achieving sustainable development and self-reliance. The study concludes that equipping young people with relevant digital competencies is crucial to addressing unemployment, enhancing productivity, and promoting socio-economic development in Nigeria. Recommendations include increased investment in digital training programs and policy support for skill-driven employment initiatives