ISSN: 2222-6990
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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.
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