In today’s fast-changing world, unemployment and underemployment remain major challenges for millions of young people in Nigeria and across Africa. To tackle this, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has been identified by UNESCO as a sustainable pathway to job creation, self-employment, and economic growth.
At a recent stakeholder workshop in Kano, organized under the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR III) Project, UNESCO emphasized the critical role of TVET in empowering young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. The event, held in collaboration with UNESCO-UNEVOC and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), focused on strategies to expand technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
What is TVET and Why Does it Matter?
TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Unlike traditional academic programs that focus heavily on theory, TVET equips learners with hands-on, industry-relevant skills. It covers diverse areas such as:
- Engineering and technical trades
- ICT and digital innovation
- Hospitality and tourism
- Agriculture and food processing
- Creative industries and crafts
- Renewable energy and green technology
These skills not only prepare graduates for jobs but also enable them to become self-employed entrepreneurs, creating businesses that generate employment for others.
UNESCO on TVET as a Job Creation Strategy
Speaking at the workshop, UNESCO’s Representative to Nigeria, Mendy Albert, highlighted that TVET is the most sustainable way to bridge the gap between education and employment. By providing young people with employable skills, TVET:
- Reduces unemployment
- Encourages self-reliance
- Promotes innovation and creativity
- Strengthens socio-economic development
This aligns with Nigeria’s national priority to use vocational and technical education as a tool for poverty alleviation and youth empowerment.
NBTE’s Perspective: Skills as the Future of Nigeria
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), represented by Dr. Babangida Abubakar, also emphasized that TVET is Nigeria’s surest route to eradicating poverty and unemployment. According to him, practical skills training is more valuable now than ever, as industries and employers continue to demand workers who can “do the job,” not just recite theories.
This means that students trained under TVET programs are better positioned to either secure jobs or start their own enterprises after graduation.
Benefits of TVET for Nigerian Youth
For Nigerian students and graduates, TVET offers multiple benefits:
- Employability – Increases the chances of securing jobs in both formal and informal sectors.
- Entrepreneurship – Encourages innovation, self-employment, and startup creation.
- Global Relevance – Skills acquired can compete globally, opening doors to international job opportunities.
- Poverty Reduction – Provides income-earning opportunities that directly reduce poverty.
- Economic Growth – TVET graduates contribute to industrial growth, digital transformation, and national development.
Challenges Facing TVET in Nigeria
While UNESCO’s recognition of TVET is a positive step, there are still challenges that must be addressed for its full potential to be realized in Nigeria:
- Inadequate infrastructure and training facilities
- Shortage of qualified instructors and trainers
- Low societal perception of TVET compared to university education
- Insufficient funding for technical and vocational schools
- Limited private sector involvement
Addressing these gaps is key to making TVET attractive and impactful.
How Government and Stakeholders Can Improve TVET
To make TVET a sustainable job creation pathway in Nigeria, the government, private sector, and international partners should:
- Invest in modern training equipment and workshops
- Train and retrain teachers for effective skill delivery
- Promote TVET as equally prestigious as university education
- Create stronger links between industries and vocational schools
- Provide funding and grants for TVET graduates to start businesses
Conclusion
The message from UNESCO and NBTE is clear: Technical and Vocational Education and Training is the future of job creation and self-employment in Nigeria. By equipping young people with the right skills, TVET can drive innovation, reduce unemployment, and build a stronger economy.
As Nigeria continues to face employment challenges, expanding and strengthening TVET remains one of the most effective strategies for sustainable development. Every Nigerian youth who embraces TVET today is not only preparing for personal success but also contributing to national progress.
