YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND POLICTIAL DISCONTENT IN NIGREIA, CASE STUDY OF AKURE SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ONDO STATE.

ABSTRACT Youth unemployment has emerged as a critical challenge in Akure South Local Government Area, Nigeria, significantly impacting the socio-economic fabric of the community. Despite a youthful demographic that holds the potential for economic growth and social development, a substantial portion of the youth remains unemployed, leading to widespread disillusionment and frustration. This unemployment crisis is exacerbated by a lack of relevant skills, insufficient job opportunities, and economic instability. However, this study examine Youth Unemployment and Political Discontent in Akure South Local Government, Nigeria. Descriptive research design of the survey type were used in the study. The population for the study consisted of all youths in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The sample consisted of five communities was selected using simple random sampling techniques. Forty (40) people was selected from each community to make a total number of two hundred (200) sampling technique. Four research questions were raised and answered using descriptive statistics. Results from the analysis revealed that the causes of youth unemployment in Akure South are majorly lack of job opportunities dues to failure in government policies to create enough job, the result also revealed the effects of youth unemployment on the socio-economic development of Akure South with the highest mean score of 3.28 which indicated the major effects of youths unemployment on socio-economic development of Akure South led to an increase in crime, the political discontent contribute to youth unemployment in Akure South as a result of highest mean score of 3.16 which indicated that youth unemployment is a major cause of political discontent in Akure South and the result revealed the strategies can be implemented to reduce youth unemployment and political discontent in Akure South the highest mean score of 3.11 indicated that government need to address corruption in job recruitment this would help unemployed youth to get fair opportunities. The study concluded that youth unemployment in Akure South is a multifaceted issue, driven primarily by the lack of job opportunities resulting from government policy failures. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government should prioritize the development of policies that foster job creation, particularly in sectors with high potential for employment, such as technology, agriculture, and renewable energy. Keywords: Youth, unemployment, political, discontent