Factors and Challenges Affecting Work Performance of National Youth Corps Members in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Studies of young Nigerians in National Youth Service Corps scheme have not addressed the issues of their work performance. This study was conducted in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo state. Expectancy theory provided the theoretical framework. The design were both survey and exploratory. A two-stage sampling consisting of purposive and simple random techniques were used to select locations and respondents. Sample size (177) for survey consisted of Corps members selected from schools (119), state ministries (39) and parastatals (17) and private firms(2). Questionnaire was used to elicit information. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with Corps members (10) and their supervisors (10). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and chi-square test statistics at 5% level of significance while qualitative data were content analysed. Most respondents viewed their work as national responsibility (40.7%) however, 75.1% viewed their work expectation as unfulfilled. Although, 78.0% rated the quality of their work performance as good, however, Corpers were faced with a number of challenges, such as accommodation and insecurity (79.7%), poor work attitude of others (72.3%), lack of adequate work engagement (61.6%) and high cost of transportation (66.1%). Most employers evaluated the work performance of the Corpers as positive. The study recommended that there is the need for restructuring of the scheme to address the challenges confronting youth Corpers for positive and sustained work performance.