Study of Demographic Dividend Indicators and Youth Employment in Ekiti State

The demographic dividend, the economic growth potential arising from a large working-age population relative to dependents, is contingent on productive youth employment, and examining this relationship in Ekiti State provides evidence for demographic-led development planning. This study assessed demographic dividend indicators and youth employment outcomes in Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, and Gbonyin Local Government Areas, Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. Data from NBS youth labour statistics and a primary survey of 280 youth aged 15 to 35 were analysed. Variables included labour force participation, employment status, educational attainment, vocational training history, and employment sector. The working-age population (15 to 64 years) constituted 51.4 percent of Ekiti State's estimated population. Youth labour force participation was 68.3 percent but formal employment absorbed only 24.7 percent. Informal sector engagement dominated at 61.8 percent. Unemployment was highest among tertiary graduates at 42.1 percent, reflecting skills mismatch with available jobs. Youth with vocational training showed 2.8 times lower unemployment than those without. Female youth showed lower labour force participation (58.4 percent) than males (78.2 percent). Recommendations include expanding Ekiti State Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, establishing a graduate employment-to-entrepreneur incubation programme, addressing gender barriers to female youth labour force participation, and incorporating demographic dividend planning into Ekiti State Medium Term Development Plan.

Keywords: demographic dividend, youth employment, Ekiti State, labour force, vocational training