African Multidisciplinary Scholarship Journal (AMSJ) AFRICAN MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCHOLARSHIP JOURNALAdvancing Knowledge. Inspiring Transformation.
Research ArticleOpen Access

Effectiveness of Capacity Development and Skill Acquisition Programmes in Promoting Self-Employment Among Youths in Akwa Ibom State

Udeme Anthony AbaikpaiD 0009-0007-9935-9791
University of Uyo, Nigeria
Uduak-Obong Ekpo-Ufot
Nse Sunday Ubeh
African Multidisciplinary Scholarship Journal • Vol. 1 • No. 1 • 2026 • Pages 75-90
Published: 2026-08-22 • DOI: 10.59413/amsj/v1.i1.7
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Abstract

This study examined the effect of capacity development and skill acquisition programmes on promoting self-employment among youths in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 384 respondents, with 338 retrieved representing an 88 percent response rate. Descriptive and regression analyses were employed. Findings revealed that the programmes positively influenced self-employment, with 76.7 percent of respondents acquiring skills for business startup and 79.0 percent expressing overall satisfaction. However, post-training support covering mentorship and finance access was the weakest area with 64.8 percent positive response. The regression model showed a very strong positive relationship with a correlation coefficient of 0.864, with capacity development explaining 74.7 percent of the variance in self-employment and exerting a significant positive effect with a beta coefficient of 0.793 and p value of 0.000. The study concluded that capacity development significantly promotes self-employment but requires enhanced post-training support. Recommendations include strengthening mentorship networks, improving training infrastructure, and instituting business monitoring to ensure sustainability and broader employment impact.

Keywords

Capacity DevelopmentSkill Acquisition ProgrammesSelf-EmploymentYouthsNigeria

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How to cite

Udeme Anthony Abaikpa, Uduak-Obong Ekpo-Ufot, Nse Sunday Ubeh (2026). Effectiveness of Capacity Development and Skill Acquisition Programmes in Promoting Self-Employment Among Youths in Akwa Ibom State. African Multidisciplinary Scholarship Journal, 1(1), 75-90. https://doi.org/10.59413/amsj/v1.i1.7