Informal Education: A tool to reducing Unemployment in Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate reached 33.3% in the fourth quarter of 2020. For the second quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate surged to 4.2%, marking a notable increase from 0.1% recorded in Q1 2023. Youth unemployment is particularly alarming, with more than half of the young population without jobs. According to Nigeria Labour Survey, the percentage of youths Not in Employment, Education nor Training (NEET) was 13.8%.

This situation is exacerbated by the country’s high population growth rate, which adds approximately 2.6 million people to the labour force each year. There are many causes of unemployment in Nigeria, ranging from corruption and governance issues to a lack of quality education, inadequate infrastructure, limited jobs and resources, economic instability, mismatch of skills, etc. In addition, the high unemployment rate in Nigeria has several negative impacts on society. Some of the impacts include poverty, social unrest, brain drain, etc.

Regarding educational attainment, the unemployment rates varied: 8% among individuals with post-secondary education, 6.3% for those with upper secondary education, 5.5% for those with lower secondary education, 4.8% for those with primary education, and 2.7% for those with no formal education. This means that the government cannot provide white collar jobs for every educated individual, hence, millions of youths will continue to face limited job opportunities and economic uncertainties.

One promising solution to this problem is the enhancement of informal education, which offers practical skills and knowledge that can lead to self-employment and entrepreneurship. Unlike formal education, which is structured and often theoretical, informal education focusses on hands-on experience and learning through practice. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including vocational training, apprenticeships, and community-based learning.

Informal education, on the other hand, refers to learning that occurs outside the traditional classroom setting. It is characterised by its flexibility, learner-centred approach, and focus on practical skills. Informal education includes vocational training, apprenticeships, workshops, mentorship, and community-based learning initiatives.

There are numerous types of informal education, including vocational training, which involves learning specific trades or skills, such as carpentry, tailoring, or plumbing. Vocational training equips individuals with the expertise needed to start their own businesses or secure jobs in their chosen fields. Apprenticeships are another form of informal education. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience under the guidance of skilled professionals. This form of informal education allows learners to acquire practical skills and knowledge in real-world settings. Also, mentorship programmes, which pair learners with experienced professionals who provide guidance, support, and advice, are another way for people to learn informally. This helps individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their careers.

Informal education plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills needed to enter the workforce or start their own businesses. It provides practical training and hands-on experience, which helps bridge the gap between education and employment. Vocational training and apprenticeships also teach individuals technical skills that are in demand in various industries, such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. These skills enable individuals to secure jobs or start their own enterprises.

Informal education also emphasises the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for success in any job and are often overlooked in formal education settings. In addition, informal education encourages an entrepreneurial mindset by teaching individuals how to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and innovate. This mindset is crucial for creating new businesses and driving economic growth.

Unlike formal education, which often focusses on theoretical knowledge, informal education emphasises practical skills that can be applied directly in the workplace. Informal education can be more accessible to individuals who cannot afford formal education or live in areas with limited educational resources. By equipping individuals with skills and knowledge, informal education empowers them to take control of their careers and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Empowering Informal education is particularly beneficial for marginalised communities, such as women and rural populations, who often face barriers to accessing formal education. By providing alternative learning opportunities, informal education empowers these communities to improve their economic prospects and contribute to society. For instance, informal education programmes targeting women can help them acquire skills and knowledge to start their own businesses or find employment, reducing gender disparities in the workforce.

Several informal education initiatives in Nigeria have demonstrated success in reducing unemployment and empowering individuals. For instance, the Lagos State Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) offers vocational training programmes in various trades, such as welding, fashion design, and ICT. These programmes equip individuals with practical skills and have successfully placed many graduates in jobs or helped them start their own businesses. Also, LEAP Africa’s Youth Empowerment Programme initiative provides training and mentorship to young entrepreneurs, helping them develop business plans and access funding. Many participants have gone on to launch successful businesses and create jobs in their communities. Another example is the N-Power Programme. Launched by the Nigerian government, the N-Power programme provides skill acquisition and job training to young Nigerians in areas such as agriculture, health, and education. The programme has reached thousands of beneficiaries and has helped reduce youth unemployment.

Despite its potential, informal education in Nigeria faces several challenges, such as a lack of standardisation. Informal education lacks a standardised curriculum, making it difficult to ensure the quality and consistency of training programmes. Also, Many informal education initiatives operate with limited resources, affecting their ability to reach a larger audience and provide comprehensive training. In addition, most informal
Education qualifications are often not recognised by employers, limiting the opportunities available to graduates. This creates a cultural bias in favour of formal education, which can discourage individuals from pursuing informal education opportunities.

Withthese challenges, informal education holds great promise as a tool for reducing unemployment in Nigeria. If we equip individuals with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, informal education can bridge the gap between education and employment, empower marginalised communities, and drive economic growth. Also, with concerted efforts from the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations, and communities, informal education can become a powerful force for change in Nigeria.