Exploring the role of social work-related initiatives for life skills education of at-risk youth in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the role of social work-related initiatives in promoting life skills education among at-risk youth in Nigeria, where over 60% of the population is under 30, yet many young people remain trapped in cycles of poverty, conflict, educational exclusion, family breakdown, and weak state welfare provision. Despite the existence of state interventions, implementation has consistently fallen short, leaving non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as the main providers of psychosocial support and life skills education for at-risk youth. The study examines how social work-related initiatives contribute to life skills education for at-risk youth in Nigeria. It pursues four objectives: to clarify the contextual meanings of life skills education, at-risk youth, and social work-related initiatives; to apply Critical Social Work and Person in Environment (PIE) theory in analysing structural factors shaping support for at-risk youth; to investigate the experiences of practitioners and beneficiaries; and to recommend strategies for strengthening life skills education through social work interventions. It is framed theoretically by Critical Social Work and the Person-in-Environment perspective. A qualitative, exploratory design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program facilitators and beneficiaries recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis supported by MAXQDA. The findings revealed that NGO-led social work-related initiatives are central to delivering life skills education to at-risk youth in Nigeria. Life skills education is fundamental in helping young people navigate structurally constrained lives. Youth vulnerability was found to be structurally produced, shaped by poverty, conflict, family breakdown, and the near-total exclusion of disabled and LGBTQ+ youth from interventions. When built on community co-design and culturally grounded delivery, these initiatives produce real and observable change. However, a significant professionalisation gap exists, with most practitioners lacking formal social work qualifications and the profession remaining absent from third sector, schools, hospitals, and policy spaces where it is most needed. The study concludes that the third sector delivers meaningful support to Nigeria's most vulnerable young people, but the absence of professional social work infrastructure limits consistency and sustainability. It recommends that government establish career pathways for social workers in public institutions, fund NGOs as long-term implementation partners, and shift programme evaluation toward psychosocial rather than purely enrolment-based outcomes.