BREAKING THE CYCLE: UNIVERSITY EDUCATION AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN NIGERIAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Education serves as a potent catalyst for societal transformation and individual empowerment, playing a pivotal role in driving progress and development within a nation. Recognizing its significance, the British Department for International Development (DFID) has underscored the critical role of education in poverty alleviation efforts, aiming to halve poverty by the year 2015. Within the educational continuum spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, university education emerges as a cornerstone for empowerment, equipping young individuals with the requisite skills for meaningful social engagement and contribution. This paper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of education as a driver of change and empowerment, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of university education in nurturing the capabilities essential for constructive societal participation. By examining the evolving landscape of higher education within the broader context of national development agendas, we seek to elucidate the transformative potential inherent in university education. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, we explore the mechanisms through which university education empowers individuals, fostering socio-economic mobility and facilitating the acquisition of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, we interrogate the intersections between education, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development, highlighting the synergistic relationship between educational attainment and societal advancement. Through this analysis, we aim to underscore the importance of investing in university education as a strategic imperative for fostering inclusive growth and advancing social justice. By elucidating the linkages between education and empowerment, this paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of the transformative role of education in shaping the future trajectory of nations.