Osita Chidoka's Tripartite Concept of Uche, Uchu, and Egwuchineke as a Panacea to Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

Abstract

Youth unemployment remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, leading to economic marginalization, identity crises, and moral decline among young people. While conventional interventions like vocational training and financial empowerment exist, they often lack the cultural and ethical depth needed for sustainable impact. This paper explores Osita Chidoka’s indigenous philosophical framework- uche (intellect and vision), uchu (hard work and diligence), and egwu Chineke (reverence for the divine); as a transformative approach to addressing this crisis. Relying on secondary data, including Chidoka’s writings, academic literature, and relevant internet-based sources, the study highlights how these values can be integrated into Nigeria’s educational, religious, and policy institutions. The scope covers both urban and rural youth populations across the country. Findings suggest that embedding indigenous moral values within national discourse can complement existing economic strategies by nurturing self-driven, ethically grounded individuals. The paper recommends reforms in education to include moral philosophy and critical thinking, the involvement of traditional and faith-based institutions in ethical re-orientation, and the media’s role in promoting narratives of intellect, diligence, and divine reverence. Ultimately, uche, uchu, and egwu Chineke offer more than philosophical insights; they present a practical model for cultivating purposeful, self-reliant, and morally responsible Nigerian youth.