International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The rapid growth of e-governance in Nigeria has expanded opportunities for youth participation in Human Capital Development. HCD involves the development of skills, knowledge, and abilities that enable individuals to contribute to the economic growth of their country. There is therefore a need to understand how social media platforms can be leveraged to support human capital development among the highly entrepreneurial youths of South-East, Nigeria
Objective: This study examined the relationship between the popularity of digital platforms and youth preferences for functional features that promote sustained engagement in HCD.
Method: Using a quantitative survey design, 384 youth respondents were sampled from the five state capitals of South-East Nigeria, purposively selected due to their urban character. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics. Results: Findings indicate that while commonly used tools like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and government websites were widely accessed, long-term engagement was driven more by platform features such as ease of use, transparency, and interactivity.
Conclusion: Youth loyalty is shaped more by trust and functionality than social trends, underscoring the need for user-centered digital governance.
Unique Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the popularity of social media platforms and youth preferences for digital tools in human capital development in a Nigerian context. The study's findings have implications for youth development policy, digital entrepreneurship, and education.
Key Recommendation: Policymakers, educators, and digital entrepreneurs should prioritize the development of digital tools that cater to the needs and preferences of youths. Additionally, there is a need to provide training and resources to support youths in leveraging social media platforms for human capital development.