Human Capital Development; A Key Tool for Addressing Nigeria Developmental Challenge

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume II, Issue XII, December 2018 | ISSN 2454–6186

Human Capital Development; A Key Tool for Addressing Nigeria Developmental Challenge

Samuel Alikwe

Landmark University, Nigeria

Abstract:-Considering the vast natural resources that flood her soil, development still remains a challenge in Nigeria. Crime, poverty and unemployment are on the rise in the African nation. Known as the Giant of Africa, this appellation however neither reflects in the quality of life of her citizenry nor in her overall global rating. This paper assesses how human capital development can be used as a great tool to address developmental challenges in Nigeria. With special focus on the role of education in nation building, the paper relates how quality investment in education can help to enlarge the capacities of individuals, seek better opportunities and contribute to national development. Finally, this paper maintains the position that for Nigeria to truly develop, governments need to invest massively into educating her citizens. Ranging from increasing budgetary allocation to the educational sector, to cleaning the system of corruption, the government has to demonstrate renewed commitment to educational development, this will help promote social cohesion, eradicate poverty and foster development in Nigeria.

I. INTRODUCTION

Several criticisms welcomed the Brooking`s poverty report on Nigeria. According to the report, Nigeria has already surpassed India as the country that houses the largest number of extremely poor people in early 2018. The most worrisome aspect of the report is the projection that extreme poverty in Nigeria increases by six (6) people every minute. Although many people have expressed reservations about this finding, the truth remains that poverty and underdevelopment in Nigeria has reached a catastrophic dimension.

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