Social Capital and Vocational Education Outcomes Among Youth in South South Nigeria

This study investigated the role of social capital in shaping vocational education outcomes among youth in South South Nigeria, covering Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Edo States. Social capital theory suggests that networks of relationships, norms of reciprocity, and social trust significantly influence individuals' access to resources, opportunities, and information, all of which are relevant to vocational education enrolment and outcomes. The study employed a survey design and structural equation modelling, involving 700 vocational education students and graduates. The Social Capital and Vocational Outcomes Scale (SCVOS) was developed and validated. Results showed that bonding social capital (family and community support networks) had the strongest direct effect on vocational education access (Beta = 0.52), while bridging social capital (connections to industry and professional networks) most strongly predicted employment outcomes (Beta = 0.64). Youth with limited social networks faced compounding disadvantage in both accessing programmes and transitioning to employment. The study recommends that vocational institutions develop structured social capital-building programmes including mentoring networks, industry exposure visits, and alumni associations. Government social protection programmes should target socially isolated youth for preferential vocational access. These findings contribute original social capital theory application to vocational education research in sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: social capital, vocational education, South South Nigeria, youth outcomes, structural equation modelling.