Post COVID-19 Skills for National Development and Youth Employability in Nigeria.

Abstract

This paper through extensive literature review unveiled the post COVID-19 skills for the Nigerian economy and youth employment for national development. The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has brought severe social and economic consequences such as school closures, job losses, loss of income, wealth depletion, skills shortage, increased unemployment and increased poverty. The effects of COVID-19 are hitting the youths everywhere faster and harder than other age groups. Nigerian youths are faced with multiple shocks, including disruptions to education, training, and on-the-job learning; employment and income losses due to lay-offs and reduced working hours; and greater difficulties in finding good jobs. The pandemic has drastically changed the nature of work in several occupations from the old normal approach to the new normal approach of working. Several employers now prefer employees to work remotely with less emphasis on overcrowding in one central workplace. COVID-19 has greatly devastated the Nigerian economy and has adverse effect on youth employment and hinders national development. This study established the existence of skill mismatch between what TVET institution teaches compared to what is needed by industries and employers of labour. This has created a skill gap that made several youths unemployed. The post COVID-19 skills needed by industries and employers of labour were highlighted and discussed. The reason why Nigerian youths must strive to acquire the needed post COVID-19 skills was also established. Recommendations were made to enhance acquisition of the needed post COVID-19 skills by youths to enhance their employment and meaningful contribution to national development.