Stakeholders make case for technical, vocational training in tertiary institutions

Stakeholders in the education sector yesterday advocated inclusion of technical and vocational training in the curriculum, noting that the present system is not in tune with industry and organisational needs.

This was part of concerns raised at a workshop on redirecting Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) for local content capacity and wealth creation in Nigeria, organised by National Centre For Technology Management (NACETEM).

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote said the situation has created a gap in technical and vocational skilled manpower in the country.

Wabote added that TVET was needed to close the gap to benefit Nigerians and the economy.

He said: “TVET is an invaluable tool for industrial and economic development, diversification and transformation of any economy as it drives all sectors.  However, since TVET has not been given adequate attention in Nigeria, the quest to acquire university education has overwhelmed many youths to the detriment of technical and vocational education.

Director-General, NACETEM, Prof Okechukwu Ukwuoma, said the primary objective of TVET was to assist federal and state education authorities to revitalise, reform and expand provision of skills, vocations, science and technology to meet the nation’s present and future socio-economic needs.

Ukwuoma explained that TVET is an aspect of education, centred on acquisition of practical and applied skills as well as basic scientific knowledge.

He described the workshop as a conscious step towards stemming issues of joblessness, unemployment and restiveness, among other vices, which hinder growth and development of a nation.

He said it was time to look inwards and open the eyes of the nation’s populace, particularly youths, to the endless opportunities in technical and vocational activities.

He said developing industry-ready, technically skilled manpower for sustainable industrial development, redirecting technical and vocational curriculum and content optimisation in line with global trends, harnessing innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities in the local content Act and Presidential Executive Order 5, among others, are geared towards showcasing how to tap into the nation’s abundant local resources using technical and vocational education.

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Olasunkanmi Olaleye said Governor Seyi Makinde is intensifying efforts to improve the standard of technical education in the state.

He said the governor has given five technical colleges in the state a new look by renovating and providing equipment in various trades.