International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue II, February 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Trends and Issues in Funding Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria

Odike, Sullivan. S. B.¹, Akpogarian Brighten E.², Ukeje Ngozi. C^3
1,2,3Department of Educational Management. University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract:- With the increasing number of unemployable adult citizens in Nigeria, technical and vocational education appear to be the most effective mechanism for ensuring that citizens of Nigeria are engaged in legitimate economic activity. This is the reason funding of vocational and technical education appears to face enormous challenges and issues in Nigeria. But inadequate, misappropriation, corruption and bribery in the funding of vocational and technical education programmes have been major issues. However, the focus of vocational and technical education with regards to skills acquisition seems to be losing it value. This paper critically examines recent trends and issues in funding vocational and technical education in Nigeria and the way forward for adequate budgetary allocation to vocational and technical educational institutions and suggested needs for administrators of vocational and technical educational institutions to allocate resources equitably between institutional and non-institutional related activities.

Keywords: Trends, issues, funding, vocational and technical education

I. INTRODUCTION

In recent time, there has been an upsurge for the quest for every Nigerian youth to acquire one form of skill, ability and knowledge to be able to live properly as a responsible citizen of Nigeria. This quest aroused the interest of the government to institutionalize vocational and technical education in various parts of the country and in schools such as technical colleges, colleges of education, polytechnics, monotechnics and universities. These efforts by the government and non-governmental agencies are to ensure that citizens are adequately nurtured and prepared to fit in at various possible workplace within and outside their enclave. Consequently, vocational and technical educational programmes seem not to be receiving priority attention in the scheme of the three tiers of government. This attitude of the government became worrisome and disheartening to the public and researchers considering the increased number of Nigerian energetic and willing youths, who do not have required and scintillating skills and abilities necessary for effective workplace performance. As matter of fact, considering the number of unemployable youths in Nigeria, vocational and technical education seem to be the most effective technique for ensuring the full realization of useful youths with legitimate economic activities in our economics and political milieu.