Indigenous knowledge development as a way-out of unemployment in Nigeria: A case study of Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge is otherwise known as African science and knowledge. It was conceived, born, processed, disseminated but preserved through natural inheritance from succeeding generations without written document. This study was done to discover the various indigenous knowledge jobs available, the employment status, the challenges they encounter and suggest what government can do to help. Out of four hundred and fifty (450) copies of questionnaire that were distributed, four hundred and eighteen (418) copies (92.9%) were returned with usable responses, while thirty two (32) copies (7.1%) were not returned. Descriptive statistical method was applied for the study, Questionnaire, and observations were the research instruments used for data gathering. Data were analysed using the use of frequency counts and percentages method. Findings revealed that indigenous knowledge is the pivot of Nigerian economy. If indigenous knowledge is better funded by the three tiers of Nigerian government, it is capable of reducing unemployment syndrome that besieged the country. The various levels of government should intensify efforts to improve the adult literacy programme, public orientation and enlightenment, accreditation of indigenous knowledge practitioners, grant interest free loans and establish more indigenous knowledge skill acquisition centres nationwide.