REVITALIZING VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: OPPORTUNITY AND PROSPECTS FOR ENTREPRENEURAL RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY BEYOND THE 21ST CENTURY.
Author
Dr. AKINBI, Yetunde Ayoola
Abstract
This paper calls for the revitalization of Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) in the quest of fostering entrepreneurial resilience and sustainability, particularly in an economy such as Nigeria, that is faced with significant levels of unemployment and skills shortages. VTE is the practical and skills-based training that focuses on equipping students with the technical knowledge and competencies required for specific trades, careers and crafts across various industries in the society. Through a comprehensive review of the current state of VTE in Nigeria, entrepreneural resilience in VTE, relevant case studies, and policy frameworks, this study identifies the challenges hindering the effectiveness of VTE in Nigeria, in terms of outdated curricular, inadequate funding and weak industry's linkages. A major focus of the paper is the relationship between VTE and entrepreneurship, which emphasizes how VTE graduates are more likely to develop business that are economically sustainable, given their practical skills and innovative capabilities. The paper examines the role of government and private sector involvement in revitalizing VTE by proposing strategies such as curriculum modernization, policy reforms, collaboration with industries and increased investment in VTE infrastructure. Hence, this paper calls for the combined efforts of stakeholders to unlock the full potential of VTE and leverage it's exceptional role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Keywords
Entrepreneurship, Nigeria, Opportunity, Revitalization, Sustainability, Vocational and Technical Education.
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References
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