Re-Engineering Vocational and Technical Education for Sustainable Development in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Using the case of North Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria, this study interrogates the nexus between vocational and technical education (VTE) and sustainable development. Specific attention is put on provision and attainment of basic skills on one hand and job creation, self-employment, utilization of locally available resources, provision of technology and capital formation on the other hand. Data were collected from a stratified random sample of 36 out of the 98 schools in the region. The data were collected using a VET Sustainable Development Questionnaire (VTESDQ). Four hypotheses were tested at the .05 level of confidence using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The findings were that VTE significantly affects sustainable development. It is recommended that: 1) the content of VTE be related to the requirements of the labour market; 2) VTE institutions be established close to the rural populace; and 3) the study programmes VTE institutions offer reflect the community’s culture.Keywords: Vocational and Technical Education; Sustainable Development