Oba Abiodun Skill Acquisition Centre as A Tool for Youth Empowerment in Orun Local Government, Ekiti State

Youth unemployment and economic vulnerability remain major challenges in Nigeria despite the expansion of formal education. This has increased the demand for alternative educational pathways that emphasize practical skills and self-reliance. This study assessed the Oba Abiodun Skill Acquisition Centre as a tool for youth empowerment in Orun Local Government, Ekiti State. The study was guided by two objectives: to identify the vocational skills provided by the centre and to examine its contribution to youth empowerment. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 225 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques, including frequency counts and percentages. The findings revealed that the centre provides diverse vocational skills relevant to local socio-economic needs and capable of promoting self-employment and employability among youths. The study further established that participation in the centre’s programmes enhances income generation, self-reliance, and standard of living. The study concludes that skills acquisition centres are effective tools for promoting youth empowerment at the grassroots level.