Structural Youth Unemployment and Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Nigerian Manufacturing Sector Experience(2000-2013)

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of structural unemployment on the productivity of Nigerian Manufacturing Sector. Exploratory research design was used. Secondary data were sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria, Statistical Bulletin (Various Issues), National Bureau of Statistics and Annual Report and Statement of Account (Various Issues). Linear regression and correlation analytical tools were employed. Findings revealed that structural youth unemployment rate had significant positive effect on the productivity of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector. The policy implication is that any transformation of the manufacturing sector must begin with addressing the problem of lack of appropriate acquisition of skills in the schools to ensure that there is no gap between theory and practice of acquired skills in our tertiary institutions and the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector.

Keywords: structural youth unemployment, productivity, sub-saharan African, Nigerian manufacturing sector.