This study investigated the relationship between socio-economic development and job
creation for the Nigerian youths in Akwa Ibom State in the 21st century. The objective of the
study was to determine whether the following variables: foreign investments and
industrialization have facilitated meaningful job creation for the youths. Two null hypotheses
based on the variables were formulated to guide the study. The population for the study
comprised all unemployed youths in Akwa Ibom State and they numbered about 5000. A
survey research method was used. The instrument used for the study was a questionnaire title
“socio-economic development and job creation questionnaire” designed by the researcher to
obtain information from the respondents. Pearson product moment correlation statistics was
used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings from the study revealed
that foreign investments and industrialization have failed to provide meaningful jobs to
majority of youths in Akwa Ibom State and credit facilities create jobs for the unemployed
youths in Akwa Ibom State youths. Based on the findings conclusions were drawn,
recommendations made and suggestions for further study offered.