SOCIAL VICES: AN INHIBITOR TO SUSTAINABLE YOUTH'S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INCLUSION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

As the Nigerian population continues to increase, so too does the number of youth. The Apopulation of youth (18-35 years) in Nigeria is 52.2 million. Despite the prospects presentedby this number, young people in Nigeria are largely excluded from governance, leaving themhelpless to confront their continued exclusion. This is evidenced by the lower percentage of youthholding political and leadership positions in the country. The purpose of this study was to examinethe relationship between youth economic inclusion and social vices in Nigeria. Using a quantitativeapproach, 100 adolescents aged 18 to 35 selected from 20 states across the nation participated inthe study. The data collected were analysed using Spearman's correlation coefficient and the resultshowed a significant positive association between youth economic inclusion and social vices inNigeria (rs/N(100)=0.65, p<0.001) and that there was a significant positive correlation betweenyoung people's socio-economic inclusion and the reduction of social vices. It was recommendedthat the government should ensure youth participation in governance and the need for adequateskill acquisition centre to help equip the youths.