Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): MAAUN International Journal of Postgraduate studies (MIJPS)
Articles

Assessing the Interplay Between Career Advancement, Career Intentions, and Government Policy in Reducing Unemployment in Nigeria

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  • Rabiu Suleiman,
  • Kabiru Ringim Jinjiri,
  • Abdullahi Hassan Gorondutse
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59479/jiaheri.v2i1.131
Categories

Published 03/13/2026

Keywords

  • Career Advancement,
  • Career Intentions,,
  • Government Policy,,
  • Unemployment Reduction,
  • Nigeria,,
  • PLS-SEM
    • ...More
    Less

How to Cite

Suleiman, R., Jinjiri, K. R., & Gorondutse, A. H. (2026). Assessing the Interplay Between Career Advancement, Career Intentions, and Government Policy in Reducing Unemployment in Nigeria. Journal of Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation (IAHERI), 2(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.59479/jiaheri.v2i1.131

Abstract

Unemployment remains a major socio-economic challenge in Nigeria, despite numerous government interventions aimed at reducing its prevalence. This study evaluates the interplay between career advancement, career intentions, and government policy in addressing unemployment reduction. Drawing on Human Capital Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Policy Feedback Theory, the study employed a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 460 respondents drawn from youths and graduates across Nigeria, including beneficiaries of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF). Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that career advancement had both significant direct and indirect effects on unemployment reduction through government policy, while career intentions influenced unemployment only indirectly via government policy. Government policy itself was found to play a critical mediating role, confirming that policy interventions are essential for transforming individual career development and aspirations into tangible labor market outcomes. The model explained 70.3% (R² = 0.703) of the variance in unemployment reduction, indicating strong explanatory power. The study concludes that unemployment in Nigeria cannot be addressed solely by individual career efforts or government interventions in isolation, but requires integrated strategies that align personal career development with enabling policy frameworks. It recommends strengthening national programs such as NDE and NYIF, aligning education with labor market needs, and expanding access to finance and entrepreneurial opportunities. These findings provide theoretical, policy, and practical insights for addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis and advancing inclusive growth.

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