Assessment of Central Bank of Nigeria Assisted Entrepreneurship Training (2016-2019) and Self Employability of Youths and Adults in South East Nigeria

Abstract

The research examined the 2016-2019 Central Bank of Nigeria Assisted Entrepreneurship Training (CBN-AET) and self-employability of youths and adults in the South East geo-political zone of Nigeria. It was intended to find out whether the CBN-AET is effective for reducing unemployment of youths and adults, facilitating readiness for self-employment and facilitating access to start-up funds among youths and adults in South East Nigeria. The focus group numbered 8,063, which encompassed secondary school leavers, university undergraduates, graduates of diverse fields, business owners, civil servants and other interested persons in the study area, who have benefited from the training. Ex post facto research design was adopted to conduct the study, which covered the five States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo within the South-East geo-political zone, using a random sample of 300. Validated and reliable interview schedules added to observation were used for data collection, plus available/existing records at the Central Bank of Nigeria South East Entrepreneurship Development Centre (CBN-SEEDC). Data analysis was by quantitative content analysis. The findings included remarkable number of youths and adults (beneficiaries) who secured start-up funds through business plan writing, which portrayed an advantageous feature of the training for facilitating employability in the geopolitical zone.