Impact of Skills Acquisition Programmes of Industrial Training Fund on Economic Empowerment of Young Adults in Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract

This study examined the Impact of skills acquisition programmes of Industrial Training Fund on economic empowerment of young adults in Oyo State, Nigeria arising from rising unemployment rates and the imperative for economic empowerment. However, the extent to which these programmes have effectively address the needs and aspirations of young adults’ remains under-explored. Therefore, this study of ITF skill acquisition programmes aims to generate knowledge, inform practice, and contribute to the continuous improvement of skill development initiatives of ITF in Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey of ex-post-facto because the variables under consideration were reported the way they are without manipulation. The populations of the study were 272 young adults beneficiaries of the entrepreneurial skills training programmes of ITF that spread across the three Senatorial zone in Oyo State and the entire population was selected as the sample size through total enumeration sampling technique. Structured questionnaire (r-0.80) and key informant interview (KII) guide were used for data collection. Data obtained were analysed through frequency counts, percentages, and mean-scores. Findings showed that the various categories of young adults acquired different dimensions of entrepreneurial skills from their participation in the ITF skills acquisition programmes. Findings further revealed that apprenticeship and on-the-job systems were used at the training centres across the three senatorial districts. Also it was discovered that the training acquired by the beneficiaries provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. The study made some recommendations for the improvement of the ITF skill acquisition programmes.

Citation
Oyewole, F. E., Ememe, Perpetua I. and Egenti Maureen Egenti. Impact of Skills Acquisition Programmes of Industrial Training Fund on Economic Empowerment of Young Adults in Oyo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Continuing and Non-Formal Education (IJCNFE), 11, 17-32.