The role of ICT in skilled manpower development through vocational technical education among higher institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research focused on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in skilled manpower development through vocational technical education among higher institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. One research question and hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The target population for this study was 2,420 respondents comprising 2,210 vocational education trainees and 210 vocational educators. A total of 221 vocational education trainees and 21 vocational educators were selected using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit the needed information from the trainees and educators. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research question and independent t-test statistic to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. From the analyses, it was found out that ICT played significant role in skilled manpower development, especially in the area of engagement of vocational technical students, development of skilled ICT professionals, establishment of ICT human infrastructures, increased knowledge of computer, acceleration of capacity building, and strengthening vocational technical teaching in Nigerian higher institutions in Cross River State among others. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that the government as a matter of priority should provide the necessary ICTs infrastructure, trained manpower, adequate budgetary allocation, and uninterrupted power supply to enhance sustainable beneficial role derivable from ICT application for skilled manpower development through vocational technical education in Cross River State, Nigeria. Key words: Information and communication technology, vocational education, vocational educator, vocational education trainees.