Vocational education is among the oldest forms of education that dates back as early as the 19th century, when the industrial revolution created a demand for skilled workers. In order to provide suitable manpower and expertise to those industries, countries like Germany and Britain established technical schools with the aim of training Students in specific trades. As time went on, this concept was adopted by the United States too. However it was in the United States that technical education evolved to address the needs of other industrializing nations. Today vocational education is an important component of modern education. Vocational training offers students practical skills and knowledge to succeed in any given trades.
Let’s look at what vocational education is at its core. Vocational education is a form or type of education that aims to prepare students for direct entry into the labor market or workforce. It Focuses on hands-on training, practical experience, and a specific skill. Vocational education helps students to become Professionals in trade or occupation. Unlike traditional academic education, which focuses majorly on theoretical knowledge and prepares students for higher education, vocational education is made to provide students with skills and expertise that one will need to secure employment immediately after graduation.
Most people often misunderstood vocational education as training that is only for these students who are not academically inclined or who can only survive through manual labor. Well, the truth remains that vocational education is for everyone both the academically inclined and the doll ones. It caters for different Students from those who are interested in traditional trades like plumbing, woodwork, and electrical work to those who are pursuing more complex knowledge and skills like renewable energy, cyber security, software development etc. Vocational education is not a secondary school option, but rather a deliberate choice for students who value and choose practical learning then theoretical knowledge. This education is for those that want to kick start their career immediately after graduation.
To understand what Vocational education is, it is very important to distinguish it from other forms of education. Academic education focuses more on theoretical knowledge and equip students with knowledge needed for higher education, Vocational education equips students with practical skills and prepares students for immediate employment. Technical education combines vocational and Academic education to produce well refined students, and also prepares them for advanced technical careers. With this we can all believe that Vocational education is an important component of the education system.
In this article we will be looking at everything you need to know about vocational education in Nigeria, the importance, and why we should embrace vocational education.
Vocational Training in Nigeria Educational section.
The importance of Vocational training: Vocational education in Nigeria’s educational sector is an essential aspect of human capital development. As the training provides students with practical skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field. The unfortunate thing is that Nigeria’s educational landscape has traditionally prioritized theoretical education over vocational training and education. This ugly situation has resulted in a significant skills gap, with many University graduates lacking the practical expertise needed by employers.
Vocational trading for Nigerian students is important for many reasons. Firstly, it provides a cheaper alternative to traditional academic education, catering for students who don’t have much financial aid. Vocational training also prepares Students for immediate employment upon graduation, this will reduce the rate of unemployment in Nigeria. Vocational education can address the skill gap, making sure that students are well equipped with industry-specific skills and knowledge, making them employable.
The Nigerian government also has a role to play to promote vocational training. By investing in vocational education, the government can address the skill gap, reduce unemployment, and stimulate economic growth. Government can get involved in vocational training through establishing vocational training centers, providing financial aid for vocational educational programa. Also by partnering with experts to develop more reliable curricula.
The major reason why government involvement in vocational training is essential is to address the high rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 40% of Nigerian youths are unemployed. With vocational training, unemployed youth can be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to secure employment or start their own business. This will reduce unemployment rate and also mitigate social illness. Also government involvement in vocational training can help bridge the gap in key industries such as manufacturing, construction, and technology. By providing students with industry-specific skills, vocational training can increase productivity and competitiveness, driving economic growth and development.
How to enroll in Vocational training in Nigeria
Enrolling in vocational training in Nigeria is a straightforward process that doesn’t need much direction. In this section we will tell you how to secure admission in any vocational training center in Nigeria. Below are the processes followed and your admission journey will be a breeze.
- Identify Your Interest: The first step is for you to sit down and determine your interest. What are you interested in, what do you want to learn?, what do you have passion for?. This question needs to be addressed in order for you to know which skill to go for. You have to determine the area of vocational training you are interested in, for example: welding, plumbing, fashion design or a more advanced skill like cyber security, software development, etc. You need to know your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the job market demands of the skill you want to learn.
- Research Institutions: The next step is to research and choose vocational training institutions. Look for a vocational training institute in your area or online, check if the institute is accredited by the proper government agencies (e.g., National Board For Technical Education (NBTE)). If the institution is accredited, you also have to research their reputation, the course they are offering, and their facilities for practical skill experience.
- Meet Admission Requirements: Each of the vocational training institutes have their own admission requirements. Check out the admission requirements of your institution and ensure you meet them. The admission requirements can be:Age ( (usually 16 years and above), Education certificate (usually SSC or equivalent), Subject requirements (e.g., mathematics, physics, etc.), Entrance examination or interview,Entrance examination or interview. Make sure you meet all of them.
- Apply For Admissions: Once all the previous points are sorted out, it is time to apply for admission at the institution. To apply for admission do this: Obtain and complete the application form from the school or fill it online through their school website. Once you fill the admission form correctly, you will be required to submit the following documents as part of the admission requirements: Birth Certificate, Academic certificate (e.g., O-level, jamb result, etc), two recently snapped passport photographs, proof of payment for the application fee.
- Entrance examination (If necessary): This all depends on the institution. Some vocational training institutes will require prospective students to write entrance examinations while some don’t. If the institution requests that you sit for an aptitude test, kindly do so as it is usually part of the admission process. Prepare for the exam by studying relevant subjects and reading up past questions and answers.
- Secure Funding: This are for those that are not being sponsored by their families or relatives. If you don’t have a means of funding your training here is what you should do. Vocational training programs require tuition fees, the amount varies across different institutions. You have to look out for external funding options such as scholarships, Government grants, sponsorship from employers or organizations, personal savings or loans.
- Register and commence Training: The final stage of the admission process is to register and commence training. If you are admitted, register for your chosen program and pay the required fees. Attend orientation and start your vocational training journey.
importance of vocational training in Nigeria.
The importance of vocational training can’t be overemphasized. Any nation that embraces vocational training will always be a step ahead of others. Vocational training offers imminent benefits to Nigeria as a country. Here are some of the importance of vocational training in Nigeria.
- Reduce Unemployment: Vocational training in Nigeria plays an important role in decreasing the rate of unemployment among youths. When youths acquire practical knowledge and skills in a specific trade or occupation, individuals can secure employment or start their own business. This is very important in Nigeria, where the unemployment rate is very high. Vocational training equips Students with industry-specific skills, which makes them employable. Vocational training also encourages entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to create jobs for themselves, vocational training also contributes to economic growth, social stability, and poverty reduction.
- Addresses Skills Gap: Nigeria faces a significant skills gap, with many graduates lacking the practical expertise required by employers. Vocational training helps to bridge the skill gap by equipping Students with hands-on training and industry-specific skills. This makes sure that these students are job-ready, with enough skills and knowledge required to excel in the skills gap. By bridging the lack of skill gap, vocational training enhances productivity, efficiency, and innovation, driving economic growth and development. Even so, vocational education also prepares Students to adapt to the ever changing technological and economic landscape, making sure that they remain relevant and competitive in the job market.
- Promotes Economic Growth: Vocational training is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development. By offering students with industry-specific skills, vocational training increases productivity, efficiency, and innovation, vocational education also encourages entrepreneurship, helping students to start their own business after school and create employment. This will stimulate economic activity, increase GDP, and reduce poverty. Also, vocational training enables Nigeria to develop a skilled workforce, reducing reliance on foreign expertise and enhancing competitiveness in the global market.
- Enhances Social Stability: Vocational training contributes to social stability in Nigeria by providing individuals with a sense of purpose and direction. By acquiring practical skills and knowledge, individuals can secure employment or start their own businesses, reducing feelings of frustration and hopelessness. This, in turn, reduces social unrest, crime, and violence, promoting a more stable and peaceful society. Moreover, vocational training encourages community engagement and social responsibility, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion.
- Increases Earning Potential: Vocational training has the ability to increase earning potential in Nigeria. Learning high paying skills can be a game changer for some people. They can earn higher salaries and benefits that improve their socio-economic status. Some people can start their own business through the skill they learn and this can in turn increase their earning potential. This, in turn, reduces poverty and income inequality, promoting a more equitable and prosperous society. Also, vocational training helps people to adapt to changing economic landscapes, ensuring they remain competitive and attractive to potential employers.
Vocational training institutions in Nigeria.
Here are some of the accredited vocational training institutes in Nigeria. These are not all of them. You can enroll in any of them.
- Agege Vocational Training Centre – inside Lagos State Examination Board, Agege
- Surulere Vocational Training Centre – 82 Randle Road, Surulere
- Abosede Vocational Training – Adelabu Road, Surulere
- Agency for Mass Education Vocational Training Centre – Ado Ikosi, Agbowa
- Air-Connect Vocational Training Centre – 20 Unit Road, Ikeja
- Rotary Vocational Training Centre – Igbogbo
- Orile-Agege LCDA Vocational Training Centre – no address provided
- Global Vocational Institute – plot 74, Prince Adeyemi Street, Ikotun Lagos
- Igbo-Oluwo Vocational Training Centre – Igbo-Oluwo
- Itire LCDA Vocational Training Centre – no address provided
- Alimosho Digital Learning and Continuous Education Centre – Alimosho Grammar School Idimu
- Sabo Vocational Training Centre – Education District IV, Sabo Yaba
- Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Vocational Training Centre – no address provided
- Taste n Tell Events and Catering Vocational Training Institute – Igando
- Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Vocational Training Centre – no address provided
- New Angel Ventures – 9, Okoturo Street, Isashi, Iba
- Odoragunshin Vocational Training Centre – Odoragunshin, Epe
- Amuwo Odofin Local Government Vocational Training Centre – no address provided
- Oloruntoyin Fashion Designs – Durosimi lane Lagos Island
- Eti-Osa Local Government Vocational Training Centre – no address provided
- Jelosimi Art Centre – 13 Arowojobe Street, Oshodi Lagos
- Lagos-Island Local Government Vocational Training Centre – no address provided
- Princess Olabanji Oba Vocational Training Centre – 10 Hoki Road, Sabo Ikorodu
- Epe Local Government Vocational Training Centre – no address provided
- Oluwatoyin Integrated Farms – 4 Abibatu Amokade Street Igbogbo Ikorodu
Conclusion
Vocational education is a very important component of the Nigerian Education system, as such the government should step in and help reposition vocational training in the country. With proper training the unemployment rate can be reduced. Vocational training equips students with practical skills and knowledge required to succeed in their chosen skill. It makes graduates independent, as they won’t depend on the government for jobs. It also encourages entrepreneurship and job creation.