Effectiveness of youth employment and skills acquisition policies in addressing urban crime in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/mjrdp.vol15no1.176Keywords:
Youth employment, Skills acquisition, Urban crime, Crime reduction, EmpowermentAbstract
This study examines the effectiveness of youth employment and skills acquisition policies in addressing urban crime in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. The aim was to assess how these interventions contribute to reducing youth involvement in criminal activities, enhancing employability, and promoting personal and social development. Cross-sectional analytical research design was adopted, involving a structured survey administered to 400 respondents. Results indicate that providing alternatives to survival crime (23.8 percent), apprenticeships and technical education (22.0 percent), promotion of self-reliance and entrepreneurship (21.8 percent), and development of vocational and technical skills (22.5 percent) were perceived as the most effective interventions. Reducing idle time and social disorganization (19.3 percent), entrepreneurship support (22.8 percent), reduction of unemployment (19.8 percent), and increased income generation (20.5 percent) also contributed positively. Mean scores ranged from 3.053 to 3.123, while descriptive analysis revealed standard deviations between 1.25 and 1.31. Hypothesis testing confirmed that youth employment and skills acquisition policies significantly reduce urban crime in the metropolis. The study concludes that these interventions moderately improve crime reduction, empowerment, employability, and social cohesion among youths. It recommends expanding vocational training, entrepreneurship support, mentorship, and access to emerging sectors such as digital and green jobs, alongside regular monitoring and evaluation.Downloads
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