Empowering Youths for Self-Reliance Through Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Abstract

The study examined the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in empowering youths for self-reliance. The study was carried out in the three Senatorial Districts of Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed the survey approach, and 100 youths were randomly selected from each of the three Polytechnics covered in the study (The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro in Ogun West, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Ogun Central and Gateway Polytechnic, Sapaade in Ogun East) to make a total of 300 youths as the sample for the study. A structured questionnaire with a 4-point likert type scale was used as the instrument of data collection. Data collected were analysed with frequency counts, simple percentage and ordinary least square method (OLS) of regression. It was found that TVET has the potential to significantly enhance youth empowerment and serve as an effective instrument engendering self-reliance among youths in Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It was therefore recommended, that TVET programmes should be given adequate priority, funding, support and necessary resources by all stakeholders such as government, private entities, industries and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs to facilitate youth awareness and involvement in technical and vocational activities should be provided.