SKILL ACQUISITION AS A TOOL FOR POVERTY REDUCTION IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

With the rapid technological advancement, which the world is now witnessing, and the continuous transformation of the world economies through globalization, there is a great pressure than before in many countries to develop their vocational education system to meet their developmental needs. That is why it is important for schools to prepare and supply future worker with appropriate knowledge and skills to enhance their productivity and therefore promote economic growth. Skills acquisition has sometimes become a tool for addressing the economic, political and social stability of some nations. As a result of rising unemployment, lack of skilled workers, high dropout rate, and the changing demographic nature of the workforce, these have placed the issue of education reform agenda high in many countries. It will further enhance the education implementers to focus on possible policies that will encourage skills acquisition among the youths in Ibadan North local government. Skills acquisition helps youths develop a positive attitude towards work and labour helps youths to be self-reliant and independent. A skill-acquired man is a self-employed man. A self-employed person can never go hungry because the skill he acquired provides food for him/her on a daily basis. But one who lacks skill acquisition will find it difficult to be self-employed because he/she has nothing to offer. Skill acquisition program is perceived as one of the crucial element in enhancing self-employment and economic productivity. It is vital for educational institutions to provide the resources needed to teach skill acquisition in schools. It is significant for parents, educators and even the government to note the relevance of scholars studying this skills in school because it provides students with life skills to become productive entrepreneurs, as it breeds creative and innovative ideas. In the long run, it impacts on the economy will be tremendously felt and will also increase personal freedom.