Youth Unemployment and Social Unrest in Local Government Areas of Ondo State: A Case Study of Akure South

This study explores the relationship between youth unemployment and social unrest in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, in Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone. Nigeria's youth population constitutes over 60 percent of the total population, yet unemployment rates among this group remain alarmingly high, contributing to increasing incidences of crime, militancy, and social instability at the community level. The study employs a descriptive survey design, with data collected from 240 respondents comprising unemployed youth, community leaders, police officers, and local government social welfare officers. The Relative Deprivation Theory and the Social Exclusion Framework provide the conceptual basis for the analysis. Primary data collection tools include structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Secondary data is sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics, Ondo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, and recent academic literature on youth development and governance in Nigeria. Analysis employs descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to test the hypothetical relationship between youth joblessness and community violence indices. Findings are expected to confirm a significant positive correlation between unemployment rates and reported incidents of social disorder. The study recommends the integration of youth employment programs into local government development plans and the establishment of local skills acquisition centers in Akure South. Keywords: Youth unemployment, social unrest, local government, Akure South, Ondo State.