Evaluating Vocational Training Programmes in Nigerian Informal Economy Centres: Three-Year Employment Outcomes for Youth Aged 18-24

This study evaluates the effectiveness of vocational training programmes in Nigerian informal economy centres aimed at youth aged 18-24, focusing on outcomes related to employment within three years. Data were collected through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, interviews, and administrative records analysis from three informal economy centres in Nigeria's computer science sector. A significant proportion (45%) of participants secured employment within the first year post-training, with over half finding positions that align with their training. Factors contributing to successful outcomes included mentorship support and alignment between training content and job market needs. The findings suggest that tailored vocational training programmes can effectively enhance youth employability in Nigeria's computer science sector when supported by robust mentoring structures and aligned curriculum development. Programme developers should prioritise ongoing mentorship support to foster long-term career growth, while policymakers could consider mandating such programmes as part of the national education system to increase access and impact. Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin_{\theta}\sum_i\ell(y_i,f_\theta(x_i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert_2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.