Volume 12, Issue 2, 2024

Measurement Indicators and Literacy Skills as Predictors of Poverty Prevalence

MAFIKUYOMI J.A., & BUSARI M.F.

Abstract

The World Poverty Clock (2023) reported that over 42% of active and productive Nigerians numbering 74 million of her labour force are extremely poor and as a result live below the poverty line. Given rise in interest and exchange rates and multidimensional unemployment among others have predicted that Nigeria will experience an astronomical poverty rise by 2030. Two hypotheses were designed for this study as students; teachers and self employed persons formed the population of the study. Descriptive survey research design type was used for this study. A sample of 150 respondents through stratified technique was used to select needed respondents. A self structured tool titled, Measurement indicators and Literacy Skills as Predictors of Poverty Prevalence Questionnaire (MILSPPQ) on 4-Likert scale of Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and Strongly Disagree containing 20 items was used for data collection. The instrument was validated and with a cronbach alpha form of reliability, 0.863 index value was derived meaning that internal consistency was met. Correlation and regression analysis were used to analyse the data and tested at 0.05 significant level. The study revealed that literacy skills, quality education, unemployment rate, attitude towards self reliance among others are good predictors of poverty prevalence. The study then concluded that exposure to education at all levels (Preschool, primary, secondary and tertiary) will likely bring about a reduction in poverty rate.

Keywords

Literacy skills, Measurement Indicators, Education, Poverty Prevalence, Early Childhood Education

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