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Research Paper | Social Science | Nigeria | Volume 12 Issue 7, July 2023

Changing the Narrative of Violent Conflict: Issues of Unemployment and Poverty among the Youth in Plateau State

Gabriel Gyang Dung | Adzuayi Jessica Ahgu

Abstract: As a result of the exponential increase in unemployment and poverty afflicting Nigeria's youth age group, frustration and aggression are common occurrences among the nation's youth. This study focuses on the youths of Plateau State as it examines the socio-economic challenges restraining a flourishing future in Nigeria due to the prevalence of anomalies that have hindered socio-economic growth. Changing the narrative of violent conflict: issues of unemployment and poverty among the youths in Plateau State are examined, despite the impossible task of making a paradigm shift to change the problems that are ravaging and reducing the quality of life of the youths to frustration, aggression, violence, and a demeaning future. The case study will adopt the qualitative methodology. The article argues that the educational system in Nigeria, including Plateau State, is geared toward producing job seekers rather than job creators, which results in depleting human capital rather than being developed to combat unemployment and poverty, among other societal ills. As a result of the divergence theory, the politicisation of youth-related issues is becoming the norm. At the same time, sensitive matters connected to human capital development are primarily ignored by state authorities. This behaviour has exacerbated the state's precarious predicament. Consequently, a pragmatic bottom-up strategy for robust human capital development is urgently required. Again, combating corruption and indiscipline at all levels is of utmost importance and must begin with the fortification of institutions that would maximally punish or penalise political leaders. Anyone found wanting to serve as a future deterrent.

Keywords: Unemployment, Poverty, Violent Conflict and Sustainable Development

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 7, July 2023,

Pages: 2147 - 2152