During the 34th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO and at the 179th Session of the Executive Board, member states expressed the need to scale up access to quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Also at the 181th session, UNESCO’s Executive Board approved the proposed strategy to support TVET from 2010 through 2015. The context of the strategy is based on the evidence that TVET investment can be used as an instrument for reducing poverty as it significantly increases the likelihood of finding decent work or generating income through self-employment.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is an educational programme that aims to produce required and demand-driven technical/technological manpower in Nigeria. The National Policy on Education recognised the concept as the wide-diversified education system instrumental in making a remarkable contribution to the economic development of the country by way of suitable manpower production relevant to the needs of industry, society, and changing….It is an economic driving force for transformation, growth, and development.
Investing in TVET therefore, is crucial to reducing poverty in Nigeria considering the vital role TVET plays in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment, become entrepreneurs, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. By channeling resources into TVET programs, Nigeria can address the widespread unemployment and underemployment challenges while improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth.
One of the key ways in which TVET investment can help reduce poverty in Nigeria is by providing individuals with practical skills that are in high demand in the job market. Entrepreneurship education should be integrated into the TVET curriculum to empower graduates with new skills and knowledge in fields such as engineering, construction, information technology, and healthcare. TVET institutions can ensure that their graduates are well-equipped to secure gainful employment. This, in turn, helps to alleviate poverty by providing individuals with the means to support themselves and their families.
Moreover, by orienting TVET programmes toward entrepreneurship and small business development policymakers in Nigeria, individuals can be empowered to create their own economic opportunities. Equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the technical skills and knowledge needed to establish and manage their businesses can significantly contribute to poverty reduction by fostering a culture of self-reliance and economic self-sufficiency.
Additionally, investing in TVET can address the mismatch between the skills possessed by the workforce and the needs of the labor market. By aligning TVET programmes with industry requirements in Nigeria, the government can enhance the employability of its citizens, thereby reducing the prevalence of underemployment and unemployment. A well-trained and skilled workforce is essential for driving economic growth and reducing poverty by creating more opportunities for meaningful and sustainable employment.
Furthermore, TVET investment can contribute to poverty reduction by fostering inclusive, hands-on training in green skills and sustainable development. By providing marginalised communities and disadvantaged individuals with access to quality technical and vocational education, Nigeria can address the systemic inequalities that perpetuate poverty. This inclusivity can help create a more equitable society where individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to improve their circumstances and contribute to the nation’s development.
There are several strategies that Nigeria can employ to effectively invest in TVET and realise the potential of these programmes in reducing poverty. First, the government can increase funding for TVET institutions and programmes, ensuring that they have the resources needed to deliver high-quality education and training. Adequate funding can also help in expanding access to TVET, especially in underserved areas, thus reaching more individuals in need.
Second, partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society organisations can play a pivotal role in enhancing the relevance and quality of TVET programmes. Collaboration with industries can help align TVET curricula with current and future labor market demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills that are in demand. Such partnerships can also provide opportunities for work-integrated learning, apprenticeships, and job placement, thereby increasing the transition from training to employment.
Moreover, promoting gender-inclusive TVET programs is essential for addressing gender disparities and reducing poverty. By encouraging the participation of women and girls in non-traditional fields such as engineering, technology, and construction, Nigeria can open up new avenues for economic empowerment and poverty reduction. This can be achieved through targeted outreach, supportive policies, and the creation of a conducive learning environment that is free from gender-based discrimination.
In addition, leveraging technology and innovation in TVET delivery can enhance the quality and accessibility of vocational education. E-learning platforms, virtual simulations, and digital resources can complement traditional classroom instruction, expanding the reach of TVET programs and providing learners with flexible learning opportunities that accommodate their circumstances. The E-learning models not only facilitate learning to reach individuals in remote and rural areas of Nigeria but also help to democratise access to skills development.
Furthermore, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to assess the impact of TVET investment on poverty reduction. By tracking the employment outcomes of TVET graduates, evaluating the relevance of training programs, and collecting feedback from employers, policymakers can make informed decisions to improve the effectiveness of TVET initiatives continuously.
TVET in Nigeria is critical to the up-skilling of middle-level manpower as they are the benchmark for sustained economic growth. The government investing in TVET as a means to reduce poverty in Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the diverse needs and challenges faced by individuals seeking to improve their livelihoods. By prioritising skills development, entrepreneurship, inclusivity, digital transformation, greening, and innovation, Nigeria can harness the potential of TVET to create pathways out of poverty, foster economic growth, and build a more prosperous and equitable society.
Ejiofor, an alumnus of the 2023 UNESCO-UNEVOC TVET Leadership Programme, is a deputy registrar with Yaba College of Technology.
