TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR EDUCATIONAL PLANNING FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

Studies have shown that technical and vocational education are necessary for gaining self-employment and hence self reliance. Literature has also revealed that youth unemployment ratio in Nigeria is on alarming increase, and self-reliance is still far-flung in the Nigeria socio-economic context. The study investigated access to and preference for technical and vocational education in secondary schools in Nigeria from 2005-2007 in comparison with other subjects (general subjects). The study also sought to find out the level of production, in secondary schools, students with technical and vocational skills as well as the level of academic performance of students in technical and vocational subjects during the period of study. Three research questions were drawn to direct the search and Ex-Post-Facto design was adopted. The population comprised students in public secondary schools in Nigeria during the period of study. Simple random sampling was utilized to select the subjects in accordance with students' enrollment in West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Data on WASSCE, obtained from West African Examination Council (WAEC) office were analyzed using percentages. The result showed very low enrolment in and very low preference for technical and vocational subjects in secondary schools in Nigeria. Very poor academic performances in technical and vocational subjects in secondary schools in Nigeria were also shown. These findings have serious implications for youth unemployment in Nigeria.