Strategic Framework For Repositioning Vocational And Technical Education For Eradication Of Unemployment In Nigeria

Abstract

Youth unemployment in Nigeria is a major source of challenge facing the country due to undue emphasis on general education instead of vocational and technical education (VTE). The paper x-rays the evolution of VTE in Nigeria. Although the Federal Government has formulated good policies on VTE, the political will required for the implementation is lacking. An attempt was made in the paper to clarify conceptual issues while benefits of VTE were highlighted. The paper examined frameworks for VTE in China and Germany with a view to incorporating into the Nigerian VTE framework ideas that contributed to technological advancement in China and Germany. Constraints to VTE were itemized while recommendations were made.  The paper advocates the re-organisation of informal vocational education through official recognition of apprenticeship programme and apprenticeship centres in all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. The paper further advocates that government should provide daily stipends for the entire apprentice and their instructors. It is also recommended that the government should revisit vocational and technical education with a view to addressing some of the plethora of problems facing this level of education in Nigeria.