Project Topic on Youth Unemploment and Social Problem in Nigeria

American Journal of Social Issues & Humanities
(ISSN: 2276 - 6928) Vol.2(5) pp. 315-321 Sept. 2012
Available online http://www.ajsih.org
©2012 American Journal of Social Issues & Humanities

Rising Youth Unemployment and Violent Crime in Nigeria
Okechukwu Odinaka Ajaegbu
Department of Sociology
University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Nigeria
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Email: [e-mail]
Abstract
Violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism are the most inhumane crimes that continue to plague Nigeria. Lately, kidnappings for ransom and terrorism have taken the centre stage leading to bloodshed and economic set -backs. The causes are not farfetched as studies have associated rising youth unemployment to the increase in violent crimes. By using the deprivation theory proposed by Ted Gurr, this study has explored the proximate and ultimate causes involving the youths in violent crimes. If factors that create the feeling of deprivation and frustration created by unemployment are addressed, Nigeria‟s youths will not engage in violent crimes. Keywords: Youth; unemployment; poverty; violence; crime

Introduction
Creativity and high energy are the characteristics of young people in any nation and if the energy is channelled positively, it will greatly benefit not only the economic prosperity of nations but also enhance the moral values of the youth. When the same energy is used negatively, it will lead to social unrest and economic instability.
Labour force of a country is used to measure unemployment and Feyisetan (1991) defines as a set of people or citizens of a country who are willing and are able to make available at any given point in time their efforts for gainful employment. Therefore unemployment is a situation where people are willing to work but could not find employment. According to the International
Labour Organization people who are without work but available for and seekin g work; including those who have

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