Vocational and technical education assists learners in developing scientific knowledge and most especially acquiring skills that is beneficial to the society. It is a form of learning that is majorly practiced in the secondary and lower tertiary levels of education in Nigeria. In this post, we shall be looking at the Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria, its history, roles, objectives and problems. The content found on this page serves as a perfect answer to the questions most people ask about Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria.

Vocational education prepares students for different programs and sectors in Nigeria, like; Agricultural, Commercial and other industries. After passing through a vocational and technical education system, youths or students have the opportunity to explore different career options. In a vocational and technical education program, students are exposed to various practical activities which makes them to acquire the desired skills in their career pursuit. Let us now look at the history of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria.

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History of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria

The history of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria can be traced a far back as when the country came in contact with missionaries and foreign merchandise. At the moment, it seems as if Nigeria is gradually looking down to or neglecting the vocational and technical education. Major methods of vocational and technical education is through apprenticeship, handcrafts and so on.

Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria: History, Roles, Objectives & Problems

In all, vocation education gives learners and opportunity to become industrialists in particular field, which could contribute positively to the economic growth of the country. As Nigeria is constantly producing more and more university graduates, the big question we should be asking ourselves is “Where will these sets of graduates secure a job?”

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If Nigeria is constantly producing graduates that are after white collar jobs, then the nation cannot move ahead with that ideology. The country need drivers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, mechanics, and so on, for proper functioning.

In Nigeria today, you will find lots of people who passed through vocational and technical education and they are not proud entrepreneurs. Then on the other hand, if you look at the products of our higher institutions, many of them lack the technical know-how that can make them scale through in life. It is quite obvious that a road side mechanic probably know how to fix cars better than a university graduate hat studies automobile engineering. With this alone, you can see why vocational and technical education is really important in Nigeria.

I am not actually trying to say that acquiring a university education is bad, but once a youth is not privileged to get a university education, he can opt for a vocational and technical education and become an entrepreneur.

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Roles of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria’s Development

Vocational and Technical Education has played so many important roles in the nations development. Below are some of the outlined ones.

  • Vocational and Technical Education has played an important role in the area of employment in Nigeria. It has been able to provide employment opportunities to many youths in the country today. If more focus is been placed on this type of education, unemployment will gradually become a thing of the past, as many youths will be delving into entrepreneurship.
  • Vocational and Technical Education has contributed immensely in improving the standard of living of beneficiaries. Skills acquired during the training has helped individuals and also the nation to boost its economy.
  • Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria can promote political stability. This is because it helps in providing employment opportunities and at the same rime cause drastic reduction in crime rates.

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In summary of the roles of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria, you will discover that it if it properly harnessed, ti will reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. The nation will peaceful and more habitable to live in, technological innovations will be on an increase, availability of manpower will increase, and there will be a boost in the industrial sector and the nation’s economy. With proper technical innovations, industries in Nigeria will grow well, there will be good maintenance and also adequate delivery of products and services.

Objectives of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria

There are various aims and objectives of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria today.

Vocational and Technical Education helps in the professional development of Nigeria, and also create employment opportunities for the youths in the country. The aim is targeted at preparing individuals for productivity and development of the nation by:

  • Providing trained manpower in the technology, advanced craft, and technical levels.
  • Provision of vocational skills for the agricultural and economic development.
  • It is also a targeted form of skill acquisition for the youths.

Problems of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria

Like you already know, vocational and technical education was mainly designed to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country. However, the program also have some problems facing and challenges facing it. Let us take a look at some of the problems of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria today.

  1. Staff Transfer

When a student gets acquainted to a particular instructor or teacher, he or she might find it difficult to cope with a new one. Staff transfer makes it difficult for students to focus on the teachings of a new trainer or educator that is being assigned to them. This can make them lose focus and interest on whatsoever is being taught.

  1. Lack of Finance

This I can say is one of the major challenges that is affecting lots of students in Nigeria today. Education in any form, requires fun to make it run smoothly but for the students and teachers. Students who wish to enrol in a vocational education program might not have the amount or school fees that is needed. This can lead to an eventual dropout from the program.

  1. Substandard Facilities

Learning in an environment with substandard facilities can be quite difficult. Many educational institutions lacks good facilities that will help in providing good quality vocational and technical education for students.

Conclusion

If you have gone through this article up to this point, you will agree that it has covered some important aspect of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria. Looking at the role, you will agree with me that a nation cannot move forward in the absence of vocational and technical education. When professionals are equipped with the right technical skills, there will be employment opportunities, and wealth creation will be on an increase.