The study examined the empirical investigation of human capital investments and its effect on economic growth in Nigeria; for the period 1990-2017. Secondary data were used and collected from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. The study used Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and was employed as the dependent variable to measure the human capital investments on economic growth in Nigeria; whereas, government expenditure on health and government expenditure on education were also used as the independent variables to measure human capital investments in Nigeria. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using Ordinary Least Square econometrics techniques. The study showed that government expenditure on education had a significant effect on Gross Domestic Product in Nigeria. Government capital expenditure on health sector had a significant effect on Gross Domestic Product in Nigeria. The coefficient of determination indicated that about 69% of variations in Gross Domestic Product can be explained by changes in government capital expenditure variables in Nigeria. The study concluded that human capital investments had a significantly effect on economic growth in Nigeria. The study recommended that Government should ensure proper management of human capital expenditure in a manner that will promote growth and development in the economy. The government and policy makers should increase its investments in health and education; since, it would increase the level of development in the economy as well as the standard of living. Government should encourage and manage the funding of the education and health sectors. The policy makers should ensure that appropriate evaluation techniques should be used for projects that will ensure that capital expenditure is not made in an extravagant manner.
Keywords: : Human Capital, Investigation, Investments, Nigeria, economic growth
