IMPACT OF NYSC SAED ON YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN KADUNA STATE

This study examines the impact of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme on youth unemployment in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Employing an analytical research design, data were collected from 200 respondents through structured questionnaires and analysed using Chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression. Findings revealed that 75% of respondents participated in SAED training, predominantly in agriculture, ICT, and fashion design, with durations spanning one to four weeks. Regression and correlation analyses demonstrated statistically significant positive relationships between SAED participation, entrepreneurial skill acquisition, and improved post-programme employment outcomes. Respondents reported increased practical knowledge, enhanced business opportunity identification, and high rates of post-training entrepreneurial activity. Based on these findings, the study recommends extending practical training durations, instituting structured mentorship, diversifying modules for emerging markets, and facilitating access to credit. This research empirically validates entrepreneurship education as a measurable strategic tool for mitigating youth unemployment.