EFFECT OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION IN KANO STATE

ABSTRACT The study seeks to examine the effect of youth empowerment programs on entrepreneurial intention in Kano State. The study used descriptive research design. The study targeted 100 N-Power beneficiaries in Kano State. Therefore, the sample size for this study will be eighty (80) and it was determined out of the population of the study using Kriejcie and Morgan (1970) table for determining sample size. Therefore, the sampling technique used in the study is simple random sampling technique. The tool used to collect the data was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire measures the key variables of the research and a structured close-ended questionnaire was employeed using 5 likers scale ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. Similarly, regression and correlation analysis was used as the method of data analysis to analyzed the hypotheses under study, through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24. The study revealed that there is positive and significant relationship between training and entrepreneurial intention. However, with regards to micro credit as second predicting variable, the results show positive and insignificant relationship with entrepreneurial intention in Kano state. Finally, results of regression on access to finance as the last predicting variable under the study shows insignificant relationship with entrepreneurial intention in Kano State. The study recommends that youth empowerment programmes, projects and policies must be based on scientific studies and not by rule of thumb. This will enable the schemes to have predetermined and measuring goals as outcomes. Payment of stipends should be made available to the beneficiaries on time to enable them cater for their transportation and other personal needs. Due to the economic crisis that has ravaged the world, the researchers, therefore, recommend an increase in their stipends to enable them to meet up with their daily needs and financial pressure posed by the scheme. The authorities at the helm of the affairs of the scheme should increase the number of selected beneficiaries since statistics have shown that the unemployment rate in Nigeria is on the increase. Youths should be empowerment to the level that they will be able to take responsibilities in their communities and the nation at large; youths should be trained with utilitarian and functional skills and other requirements so as to make them self-employed and employers of labour in the country.