Vocational education can simply be defined as a form of learning that focuses on acquiring practical skills, competencies, and knowledge in specific trades, occupations, or industries. Vocational education plays an important role as it provides individuals with hands-on skills and practical knowledge needed to meet the demands of the labour market. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of vocational education in addressing unemployment, and increasing the economy since the government cant provide white collar jobs for everyone.
Vocational education in Nigeria has been in existence long before the coming of the colonial masters and western education. It was previously known as the indigenous practices of skills acquisition and craftsmanship, where individuals learned trades and professions through apprenticeships and informal training arrangements. However, when the Western education systems were introduced, it emphasised academic learning over practical skills development. This factor has made what used to be top of our educational system and society now neglected because of the invention of another type of education.
Despite this shift, vocational education has regained prominence as Nigeria seeks to address unemployment, poverty rates , and industrial development through skills training and technical education initiatives. Over time, vocational education in Nigeria has changed a lot. More schools and colleges now offer vocational courses in areas like farming, building, hair making, catering, entrepreneurship courses, etc. Also, the government has started many programs to help people learn new skills and find jobs.
Vocational education has been incorporated into the main educational curricula, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels. This has helped to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skill acquisition. Also, government-led initiatives such as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Centres (SAVTECs) have played a vital role in promoting vocational education and empowering youth and adults with employable skills.
One of the primary benefits of vocational education is its ability to address unemployment and bridge labour gaps within the labour market. In Nigeria, where youth unemployment rates remain high, vocational education is an alternative pathway for individuals to acquire practical skills and competencies that are in demand by employers
Vocational education empowers young people to become aspiring entrepreneurs and pursue self-employment and different entrepreneurship opportunities. With practical training in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, catering, fashion design, automotive repair, etc, vocational graduates are better equipped to establish and manage their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to local economic development. Vocational education nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit in youths and encourages innovation and creativity.
Another advantage of vocational education is its ability to cater to diverse learning needs, interests, and abilities. Not all individuals thrive in traditional academic settings. Some students are not good with books, but when given the opportunity to learn a skill, they’ll excel in it. Vocational education offers an alternative pathway for those who prefer hands-on learning experiences. Vocational programs provide different learning styles with practical examples and real-world contexts for skill acquisition. Instructors in each field ensure that learners are engaged at all times, motivated, and prepared for success in their chosen fields. Unlike academic education, which may require high academic performance or financial resources, vocational education is accessible to a wider range of learners and youths, including those from low income families or marginalised communities.
However, there are different challenges facing vocational education in Nigeria. Many vocational training centers and technical colleges lack the resources and infrastructure needed to deliver quality training programs. Most training centers uses outdated facilities, while some others struggle with insufficient funding, and shortages of trained instructors and technical experts. This impedes the delivery of practical skills training. In addition, there is low enrollment in vocational schools as vocational education is often undervalued in Nigerian society. This is because many individuals and families prioritise academic qualifications over technical and vocational skills. Some people think that academic education is more important than vocational education, and this makes it hard for vocational schools to get students.
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate among youth aged between the age of 15 to 24 years increased to 7.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2023. The high rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria outweighs the urgency of addressing skills gaps and mismatches through vocational education. Despite investments in vocational training initiatives, many graduates struggle to secure gainful employment or entrepreneurial opportunities due to factors such as limited job market demand and inadequate support for self-employment. This means that many young people don’t have good jobs, even though they learned useful skills.
In conclusion, the importance and advantages of vocational education in Nigeria are undeniable. To combat the challenges in vocational education, government should invest more in vocational education by getting more infrastructure , equipments, and tutors.
Also, the government and NGOs should raise awareness about the value and opportunities that vocational education provides. There should be public campaigns, career guidance programs (in primary and secondary schools), and community outreach programs that can help dispel myths about vocational training and highlight its importance and role in driving economic growth.
