Achieving Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria through Technical and Vocational Education and Training: The Missing Link

Abstract

In Nigeria, over the years, emphasis has been on general education, with vocational education at the receiving end. This has resulted in large number of educated people remaining unemployed. This phenomenon has now been recognized by the policy makers and hence there is a greater thrust on vocationalisation of education. Another shortcoming is the perception of TVET as a career path for the less academically endowed being fuelled by the low academic requirement into TVET programme, rather than an effective strategy to train skilled manpower for economic development. This paper discusses the current environment in which TVET in the country operates and the effort government has taken to revitalize it as well as the lessons that can be learnt from countries that have achieved sustainable economic development through TVET. The paper argues that for TVET to be a key to sustainable economic development in the country, there is need for changes in public perception and image of TVET, rejuvenate the nation’s moribound technical training colleges, instructors in training schools to leverage on industry partners to gather industry based experience and strict monitoring of industrial trainees. The paper concludes that technical and vocational education is a necessary but not sufficient condition for sustainable economic development. What are required includes government policies that can stimulate the economy and adequate infrastructural facilities.