Human Capital Development and Healthcare Outcomes in Nigeria

Authors

OJEAH, Augustine Ikechukwu

Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria (Nigeria)

EJEDEGBA, Roland Ufuoma

Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria (Nigeria)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.915EC00758

Subject Category: Development Economics

Volume/Issue: 9/15 | Page No: 1411-1421

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2025-10-20

Accepted: 2025-10-28

Published: 2025-11-17

Abstract

Life expectancy induces uncertainty and health is wealth stock of a nation (NHIS 2025). Human capital consists of the knowledge, skills, and health that people accumulate throughout their lives, enabling them to realize their potentials as productive members of the society. Nigeria continues to struggle with inadequate infrastructure and poor healthcare financing resulting in medical professional migration abroad which depletes stock of healthcare value despite budgetary health provisions. The study uses the ARDL model of estimation with data covering the period, 1994-2024 to determine the health outcomes measured by life expectancy in Nigeria. The result of the estimation reveals that health outcomes have positive relationship with past value of life expectance, Current Healthcare Expenditure, citizens welfare and Urbanization. The study thus stresses the need for government to double policy strategy on preventive healthcare framework with improved efficiency.

Keywords

Life Expectancy, Healthcare Expenditure, Urbanization, Gross Domestic Product Per Capita

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