Experts Call for Strengthened Technical and Vocational Education to Drive Sustainable Development and Economic Growth
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector are advocating for a strengthened Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to equip citizens with practical skills and drive sustainable development. The call was made at a recent forum, where experts highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, curriculum reforms, and industry partnerships to enhance the quality and relevance of TVET programs. With Nigeria’s youthful population, investing in TVET can unlock economic opportunities, reduce unemployment, and foster entrepreneurship. By prioritizing TVET, Nigeria can accelerate progress towards achieving its development goals and create a skilled workforce that meets industry demands, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) hold significant value in Nigeria, offering practical skills and knowledge to drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and foster entrepreneurship. By equipping individuals with in-demand skills, TVET enhances employability, promotes self-reliance, and contributes to national development. The implications of TVET are far-reaching, with potential benefits including:
i. Economic Growth: TVET can stimulate local economies, create jobs, and increase productivity, ultimately driving Nigeria’s economic advancement.
ii. Poverty Reduction: By providing skills training, TVET can empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty and improve their socio-economic status.
iii. Industrialization: TVET can supply industries with skilled workers, promoting industrial growth and competitiveness.
iv. National Security: By addressing unemployment and poverty, TVET can contribute to a more stable and secure society.
The Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa has been working to make education more accessible and affordable. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, launched in 1999, provides free and compulsory education for Nigerian children, covering primary and junior secondary levels. This initiative aims to eradicate illiteracy, ignorance, and poverty, driving national development. The UBE program focuses on improving access to quality education, addressing infrastructure gaps, and training teachers. While challenges persist, the government continues to prioritize education, recognizing its role in shaping Nigeria’s future. Efforts to enhance education quality and accessibility are ongoing, with the UBE program remaining a key component of Nigeria’s education policy. By investing in education, Nigeria seeks to empower its citizens, stimulate economic growth, and unlock development opportunities. The government’s commitment to education is evident in its policies and programs, aiming to transform Nigeria’s education sector and improve learning outcomes for all. Education is a vital tool for national progress, and Nigeria is working to harness its potential.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s technical schools are set to receive a major boost, with the Federal Government approving N120 billion to advance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). From the 2025/2026 academic session, students in federal and state technical colleges will enjoy a range of benefits, including free tuition, uniforms, feeding, boarding, and protective gear. Additionally, students will receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 to support their living expenses. This initiative aims to promote technical education, equip students with practical skills, and enhance employability. The government’s investment in TVET is expected to drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and foster entrepreneurship. By supporting technical education, Nigeria seeks to develop a skilled workforce, meet industry demands, and accelerate national development. This move is part of the government’s efforts to prioritize education and stimulate progress in Nigeria. Technical schools are poised to play a vital role in shaping the country’s future.
Some notable technical schools in Nigeria include:
i. Federal Science Technical College, Awka: Offers programs in science and technology
ii. Federal Science Technical College, Zuru: Provides training in science and technical fields
iii. Yaba College of Technology: Renowned for excellence in fields like fashion design, photography, and multimedia technology
iv. Nigeria-Korean Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology: Offers vocational courses and advanced technology programs
v. Aptech Computer Education: Provides training in tech-related courses with certifications
vi. HiiT Plc: Offers IT training and certifications, with study centers across major cities in Nigeria
TVET is a significant step towards driving economic growth, reducing unemployment, and fostering entrepreneurship. By equipping citizens with practical skills, TVET can unlock economic opportunities, promote self-reliance, and contribute to national development. The government’s commitment to education, evident in initiatives like the Universal Basic Education program and the N120 billion TVET funding, aims to transform Nigeria’s education sector and improve learning outcomes. With a strengthened TVET system, Nigeria can accelerate progress towards achieving its development goals, create a skilled workforce, and shape a brighter future for its citizens. This paves the way for a prosperous Nigeria.
