Unemployment and Human Capital Loss in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper compares trends in unemployment and human capital loss over a life-cycle period. Brain drain, infant mortality rate and out of school children are used as proxies for human capital loss, and their trend relationships with unemployment rate were analyzed between the period 1999–2019. The study adopted descriptive method of analysis. Findings showed that unemployment exacerbates brain drain, infant mortality rate and out of school children over a life time period. The author however recommends the development of tertiary education, and most especially vocational education in order to contribute to job creation and reduce the negative effect of unemployment. Also, implementation of requisite health policies and programmes that will reduce infant mortality rate will also reduce human capital loss in Nigeria.