Investigating the Effectiveness of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) in Mitigating Unemployment in Delta State

Abstract

Employing a survey research approach, this investigation surveyed in-depth perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders including TVET graduates, educators, employers, in Delta State. Core aspects investigated encompass TVET programme relevance, skill gaps, industry partnerships, infrastructure constraints, funding limitations, gender disparities in access, and contextual challenges affecting TVET’s unemployment mitigation potential in Delta State’s socio-economic milieu. Findings reveal multifaceted challenges constraining TVET’s effectiveness in Delta State: misalignment of curricula with evolving industry needs (especially in sectors like oil/gas, agriculture, IT); inadequate infrastructure and equipment for practical training; limited funding impacting programme quality; perceptions influencing enrolment. Notwithstanding these hurdles, TVET demonstrates potential for enhancing employability and fostering entrepreneurship when aligned with labour market demands and bolstered by strategic partnerships, policy support, and adaptive pedagogical approaches contextualized for Delta State.

Key recommendations emerging from the study underscore strengthening academia-industry collaborations for curriculum relevance and work-integrated learning; augmenting infrastructural and financial investments in TVET institutions; leveraging digital technologies for flexible skill delivery; and policy advocacy for TVET expansion/support within Delta State/Nigeria’s development agendas. Implications highlight TVET’s pivotal role in skills development for economic participation, necessitating contextual adaptations responsive to Delta State’s developmental aspirations and labour market transformations.