Global Economic Crisis and Career Aspirations among ‘Okada’ Riders in Nigeria: The Influence of Apprenticeship Skills Training

In spite of their usefulness as fast movers of passengers and goods in urban traffic congestion, the motor-cycle taxis have been noted for high rate of road traffic crashes inflicting injuries to many and death in some cases. Thus, a number of operators are in the occupation for other purposes rather than making it a lifetime career. This study is therefore aimed at examining such other purposes and future career aspirations of riders. It is also aimed at testing the hypothesis of the probabilistic migration model as propounded by Todaro. The data for the study is from a survey of 777 okada riders in two states of South West Nigeria. Using binary logit regression approach, the determinants of career choice among respondents are examined. The findings of the study shows employment as okada riders are for raising start-up capital in most cases, and that education, current earnings level and apprenticeship skills training among others are statistically significant variables affecting career aspiration among the respondents. Provision of commensurate employment for the educated youths and relaxing capital constraints for those with previous skills training are some of the policy implications of findings.