Higher Education as Regional Development: Labor Market Impacts of Nigeria's 2011 Federal University Expansion. EdWorkingPaper No. 25-1321
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| Title: | Higher Education as Regional Development: Labor Market Impacts of Nigeria's 2011 Federal University Expansion. EdWorkingPaper No. 25-1321 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Godwin Aipoh, Olanrewaju Yusuff, Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University |
| Source: | Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. 2025. |
| Availability: | Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 31 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Universities, Labor Market, Education Work Relationship, Access to Education, Human Capital, Employment, Economic Development, Wages |
| Geographic Terms: | Nigeria |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the causal impact of higher education expansion on regional labor markets and human capital development. Exploiting the 2011 establishment of nine federal universities across previously underserved Nigerian states, we implement a difference-in-differences approach to analyze effects on employment, wages, job quality, and sectoral composition. Our results show significant positive effects on employment and wages, with particularly strong impacts for youth and in urban areas. We find evidence of both direct employment effects and broader spillovers to private sector activity such as self-employment, suggesting universities can serve as catalysts for regional economic development. Our findings contribute to understanding the role of higher education institutions in human capital formation and labor market development in emerging economies. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED678232 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the causal impact of higher education expansion on regional labor markets and human capital development. Exploiting the 2011 establishment of nine federal universities across previously underserved Nigerian states, we implement a difference-in-differences approach to analyze effects on employment, wages, job quality, and sectoral composition. Our results show significant positive effects on employment and wages, with particularly strong impacts for youth and in urban areas. We find evidence of both direct employment effects and broader spillovers to private sector activity such as self-employment, suggesting universities can serve as catalysts for regional economic development. Our findings contribute to understanding the role of higher education institutions in human capital formation and labor market development in emerging economies. |
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