Human capital development and inclusive growth: Implications for achieving SDG-4 in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This paper examines the relationship between human capital and inclusive growth and how it can be a viable tool for driving the achievement of the Goal-4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, the study show that the attainment of SDG Goal-4 can generate more inclusive type of growth through quality education (human capital development). Methods: The study employed annual data from 1981-2015 from the National Statistical Bulletin (2015) and the World Development Indicators (2015). It uses the Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) and Johansen co-integration estimation techniques. Findings: The result shows that human capital is statistically significant and has a long run relationship with the measure of inclusive growth. Conclusion: The paper concluded that the tools indicated under the SDG-4 can help government produce a more inclusive growth through the channel of quality education, skill acquisition and human capital development.