The income levels of graduates are vital as they indicate how well higher education prepares students for employment and their economic stability. Various initiatives have been introduced to boost graduates' income, including enhanced curricula, collaborations with industries, and training in employability skills. However, these efforts have not always produced the expected results, as seen in the recent decline in graduates' income levels. This study investigated the influence of employability skills on employee income levels in selected universities in South-West Nigeria. The study utilized a survey research design, focusing on a population of 64,171 graduates from six selected universities in South-West Nigeria. A sample size of 497 was determined using the Research Advisor’s sample size table, and simple random sampling was employed. Data collection was carried out using a structured and validated questionnaire, with Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranging from 0.73 to 0.84. The response rate was 93.2%. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically multiple linear and hierarchical regression, at a 5% significance level. The study found that employability skills have significant effect on employee income levels (Adj.R2 = 0.163, F(5, 462) = 18.959, p = 0.000) in selected universities in South-West Nigeria. The study concluded that employability skills influenced income of graduates in selected universities in South-West Nigeria. Hence, it is recommended that universities in South-West Nigeria implement comprehensive training programs that focus on enhancing employability skills to improve employee income levels of graduate. This could include integrating soft skills training such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving into academic programs to further prepare graduates for the workforce.
Adaptability skills, Communication skills, Employability skills, Employee income levels, Problem-solving skills.
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development - IJTSRD having
online ISSN 2456-6470. IJTSRD is a leading Open Access, Peer-Reviewed International
Journal which provides rapid publication of your research articles and aims to promote
the theory and practice along with knowledge sharing between researchers, developers,
engineers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world in many areas
like Sciences, Technology, Innovation, Engineering, Agriculture, Management and
many more and it is recommended by all Universities, review articles and short communications
in all subjects. IJTSRD running an International Journal who are proving quality
publication of peer reviewed and refereed international journals from diverse fields
that emphasizes new research, development and their applications. IJTSRD provides
an online access to exchange your research work, technical notes & surveying results
among professionals throughout the world in e-journals. IJTSRD is a fastest growing
and dynamic professional organization. The aim of this organization is to provide
access not only to world class research resources, but through its professionals
aim to bring in a significant transformation in the real of open access journals
and online publishing.