Digital Skills Acquisition as A Mediator of Government Tech Initiatives and Youth Self-Employment in South-South Nigeria: Evidence from A Cross-Sectional Survey

Authors

  • Bello Adams Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Delta Agbor, Nigeria Author
  • Sunday Ikande Ogbu Department of Business Administration and Management, Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Nigeria Author
  • Kingsley C. Ugbechie Department of Marketing, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, Nigeria Author
  • Hillary O. Odor Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Delta Agbor, Nigeria Author

Abstract

Youth unemployment remains a significant socio-economic challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the South-South region where limited formal employment opportunities constrain youth economic participation. In response, federal and state governments have implemented technology-driven initiatives aimed at equipping youths with digital skills to enhance self-employment. This study examined the effect of digital skills 
acquisition on youth self-employment in South-South Nigeria. The study was anchored on Human Capital Theory and conceptualized digital skills acquisition into three dimensions: technical digital skills, digital marketing and e-commerce skills, and soft digital literacy. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 420 youths who participated in federal 
and state digital training programmes across Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States. A total of 376 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that digital skills acquisition had a significant effect on youth self-employment (R=0.721, R²= 0.520, Adj. R² = 0.516). The regression 
model was statistically significant F(3,372) = 23.54, p<0.05), indicating that the independent variables jointly predicted youth self-employment. Collectively, the predictors explained 52.0% of the variance in youth self-employment. The study concludes that digital skills acquisition is a strong determinant of youth self employment in South-South Nigeria. It recommends increased investment in comprehensive digital capacity-building programmes that integrate technical, marketing, and digital literacy skills to enhance youth entrepreneurial outcomes and 
reduce unemployment.

 
Keywords: digital skills acquisition, youth self-employment, digital 
entrepreneurship, digital marketing skills, South-South Nigeria 

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Published

2026-05-15

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): June, 2026

Section

Articles