From Restiveness to Responsiveness: The Role of Education in Transforming Youth Identity and Purpose in North-East Nigeria

Hadiza Buhari; Aminchi Daniel; Oluremi Eyitayo Oni

doi:10.58709/niujed.v11i4.2301

Hadiza Buhari University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Aminchi Daniel University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Oluremi Eyitayo Oni University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58709/niujed.v11i4.2301

Abstract

The study examined the Restiveness to Responsiveness: The Role of Education in Transforming Youth Identity and Purpose in North-East Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine; the influence of vocational educational on the reduction of youth restiveness in North-East Nigeria, how Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes contribute to reshaping the identity and social behaviour of youths in the region and the challenges hindering the effective use of education as a tool for transforming youth attitudes and purpose in North-East Nigeria. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design. The total population is estimated at 2,000 respondents drawn from selected educational institutions and training centers. A sample of 400 respondents were selected for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Education and Youth Transformation Questionnaire (EYTQ)”. The items were designed on a four-point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Agree (4) to Strongly Disagree (1). The questionnaire was validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation. A reliability coefficient of 0.70 and above was considered acceptable for the study. Data collected was analyzed using both descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage, mean and standard deviation was used. Findings of the study shows that: Vocational education significantly contributes to reducing youth restiveness through skill acquisition and self-reliance. Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs play a major role in reshaping youth identity, improving moral values, and promoting social behaviour. The effectiveness of education in transforming youth attitudes is constrained by insecurity, poor funding, lack of teachers, and socio-cultural barriers. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: The government should strengthen and expand vocational education programs to equip youths with relevant skills. The government should address insecurity, improve funding, recruit qualified teachers, and counter socio-cultural barriers to enhance education’s transformative impact on youth attitudes.

Keywords: Restiveness to Responsiveness, Role, Education, Youth Identity and Purpose