Empirical Analysis of Skill Mismatch and Graduate Unemployment Among Technical College Leavers in North East Nigeria

This study provides an empirical analysis of skill mismatch and its relationship with graduate unemployment among technical college leavers in North East Nigeria, specifically in Adamawa, Gombe, and Bauchi States. Skill mismatch, the divergence between graduate competencies and labour market requirements, is a primary driver of graduate unemployment in Nigerian vocational education. Despite the policy priority given to technical education as a vehicle for youth employment, the specific nature and extent of mismatch in this region remain unclear. A sequential mixed-methods design is employed. Quantitative data are gathered through employer competency rating surveys (80 employers), graduate self-assessments (200 graduates), and curriculum content audits. Qualitative data come from focus group discussions with six employer groups. Regression analysis and gap analysis identify mismatch dimensions and unemployment predictors. Findings are expected to show significant mismatch in digital skills, soft skills, and industry-specific technical knowledge. The study also examines how mismatch severity varies across trade areas and college types. Recommendations include regular labour market skills surveys, employer co-design of technical curricula, and post-qualification bridging programmes. This study contributes original empirical evidence to the skill mismatch literature in Nigerian vocational education and informs employment-oriented curriculum reform efforts in the North East geopolitical zone. Keywords: skill mismatch, graduate unemployment, technical college, North East Nigeria, labour market