Abstract
This article utilizes qualitative content analysis to examine the strategic role which vocational education and training (VET) play in aligning youth skills with labour market needs to promote economic growth in Nigeria. With over 60% of its population under 25, Nigeria faces high graduate unemployment due to skills mismatch. Grounded in human capital theory, the paper develops a thesis on VET’s potential to enhance employability, earnings, productivity and competitiveness-catalyzing industrialization, economic diversification and inclusive growth. Through critical analysis of academic literature, policy documents and empirical evidence, the paper illustrates VET’s multifaceted impacts on developing industry-relevant technical skills, facilitating youth transitions into sustainable livelihoods, and boosting individual and sectoral productivity. Systemic constraints facing Nigeria’s VET system are also examined. Targeted recommendations are provided to address quality, perception, funding, governance, inclusion and industry alignment issues. While acknowledging data limitations, the essay utilizes triangulation of insights from theory, prior empirical analyses and policy priorities to build an evidence-based case that strategic VET investment can unlock the potential of Nigeria’s youth bulge for national development. It concludes that with coordinated efforts between government, training institutes and industry, VET can catalyze transformative socioeconomic change. The qualitative analysis offers insights to inform policies for leveraging VET’s multifaceted roles in actualizing Nigeria’s growth aspirations.
Keywords: Economic Growth; Productivity; Qualitative; Role; Vocational Education
Ajeniweni, P. O.; Bamgbowu, S. A.; Obasi, I. O.; Akinola, B. T .; & Nudegbesi, A. M. (2024)