Effect of youth empowerment programs on youth unemployment in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State

The study focused on empowerment programs on youth unemployment in Kaduna South LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Unemployment is a major problem ravaging Nigeria's population today and youths are worst hit by it. In an attempt to harness the potentials of youths and address the problem of unemployment, Kaduna South LG in collaboration with Kaduna State government introduced skills acquisition programs to empower youths of the area. Against this backdrop, the study examined effect the programs on youths in terms of empowering them to be economically productive and be self-reliant. The study, a survey research generated its data through the conduct of interviews with coordinators of the programs and administration of questionnaires to beneficiaries. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics to answer the research questions while Spearman rank correlation was used to test hypotheses. Results show that though a sizeable number of beneficiaries (youths) of the programs are now productively engaged and self-reliant as their income level have risen visibly and can now afford basic necessities of life to some extent. However, challenges of inadequate funding, shortage of qualified and experienced trainers and lack of soft loans were encountered. On this basis, the study recommends adequate budgetary provision, engagement of adequate qualified and experienced trainers, provision of soft loans and increased commitment of Kaduna South LG to ensure continuity.