Human resources--not capital, nor income, nor material resources--constitute the ultimate basis for the wealth of nations. Human beings are the active agents who accumulate capital, exploit natural resources and carry forward national development.
The discovery and exploration of oil in Nigeria gave rise to the development of several industries that are both directly and indirectly related to the exploration. Suddenly Nigeria was becoming industrialized. Unfortunately, the available human resources lack the required educational and technological know-how for the operation of these complex industries.
By exploring the Nigerian government's data on the higher education system and facilities, as well as existing and planned economic activities, the research reported in this dissertation has established that: (1) the supply of high-level manpower available to Nigeria is, by far, lower than the demand; (2) institutions of higher education cannot, in the near future, meet this demand; (3) unemployment among university graduates is artificial as a result of economic recession and lack of good political leadership in the country; and (4) institutions of higher education are constricted by government controls in speeding up the supply of manpower, especially in critical areas.
Combatting high-level manpower shortages and graduate unemployment in Nigeria would involve: (1) patriotic leadership from the military and civilian population; instances of abuse of office by politicians have been detrimental to Nigeria's development; (2) statutory status for the National Manpower Board in implementing the manpower programs of the country; (3) more cooperation and coordination between the National Universities Commission, the universities, and other institutions of higher education; and (4) an effort by the institutions of higher education to realign their programs and concentrate on producing graduates in priority areas.
