The role of vocational and technical education on economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria

Abstract

The study aims at assessing the roles of vocational and technical education on economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria. Secondary data was used for the study. These include information from journal, theses, conferences, workshops and seminar papers. To revive the Nigerian economy, adequate exposure and sound base on technical education holds the key to the nation becoming technologically relevant and internationally competitive in the world market. It is the most effective means of empowering the citizenry to stimulate sustained national development, enhance employment, improve the quality of life, hinder poverty, limit the incidence of social vices and the knowledge of technical and vocational education helps in the conversion of local raw materials, this reduces the importation of foreign goods which lessen our import dependency and encourage exportation of our local products. Despite the prospective and enormous contribution of vocational and technical education for sustainability of economic growth and development still suffered many setback for its effective operation which includes; Poor Public Perception and Apathy to Vocational Education, Government Lukewarm Attitudes/Poor Funding, Shortage of Qualified Vocational Technical Teachers, Lack of Adequate Equipment and Training Infrastructure among others. In conclusion, some useful recommendations were given for effective operation of vocational and technical education in Nigeria which include; Investment in the provision of modern facilities for vocational education, reinvention of vocational education in Nigeria in order to empower youths for self reliance and self- employment, Government to encourage youths in science and technology based course in schools among others.