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Determinants of Human Capital Development in Nigeria

Author

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  • Ogodo Paul Egbaseimokumo

    (Bayelsa State, Nigeria)

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of human capital development in Nigeria, with a focus on the Human Development Index (HDI) as the dependent variable and government expenditure on education (GEX), government expenditure on health (GHE), and training and skill development (TKD) as the independent variables. The research uses an Error Correction Model (ECM) to analyse data from 1981 to 2023. The results reveal that government expenditure on education, government expenditure on health, and training and skill development all significantly influence human capital development in Nigeria. Specifically, increases in educational spending and health care investment show positive and statistically significant effects on human development, supporting the view that these sectors are essential for improving the quality of life and productivity. Training and skill development also exhibit a significant positive relationship with HDI, confirming the importance of skill acquisition in fostering a productive workforce. The ECM results further indicate a long-term equilibrium relationship among the variables, with an error correction term, suggesting that about 14.7% of the disequilibrium in human capital development is corrected annually. These findings highlight the critical role of government investment in education, health, and skill development for enhancing human capital in Nigeria.

Suggested Citation

  • Ogodo Paul Egbaseimokumo, 2025. "Determinants of Human Capital Development in Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(8), pages 4405-4417, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-8:p:4405-4417
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Gary S. Becker, 1994. "Introduction to the Second Edition of Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education," NBER Chapters, in: Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education, Third Edition, pages 3-10, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. Gary S. Becker, 1994. "Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education, Third Edition," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number beck94-1, January.
    6. Law-Biaduo Ifeyinwa Euphemia, 2022. "Human Capital Development and Economic Growth in Nigeria (1981-2020)," Post-Print hal-05149862, HAL.
    7. Lucas, Robert Jr., 1988. "On the mechanics of economic development," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 3-42, July.
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