Technological Challenges in Implementing TVET Programmes in Nigeria

Introduction

The Quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes needed for Nigerian industrial, economic, social development and advancement will be enhanced by the judicious application of technology. As the Nigerian society is continuously moving towards a knowledge-based economy, in which the application of knowledge is very crucial, the use as well as the study of technology in the production processes has become more imperative and thus demanding sophisticated work skills. Utilization of Technology in TVET programmes will go a long way to improving teaching, learning and development of needed skills to making an individual more productive and applying knowledge for improving processes, products and services. However, technology usage in education poses a lot of challenges in proper implementation of TVET programmes in Nigerian educational and training systems. The cost of technology, its rapid evolution, and the special knowledge and skills required of its users pose substantial barriers to effective utilization. This chapter therefore, explores some immediate technological challenges in such areas of administration, policy framework, curriculum development, implementation and evaluation, research, distance learning and professional development of the TVET educators as well the possible approaches to tackling them.

After reading this chapter, the reader will be able to;

• 1.

  Describe the roles of TVET in national development of Nigeria.

• 2.

  Explain the concept of technology and technology in TVET.

• 3.

  Discuss the importance of technology in implementing TVET programmes.

• 4.

  Identify six technology fluencies of TVET Learners.

• 5.

  List and explain at least five technological challenges in implementing TVET programmes.

• 6.

  List and explain possible approaches to tackling the technological challenges.

• 7.

  Enumerate four key factors for technology implementation in TVET programmes.

The Roles Of Tvet In National Development Of Nigeria

TVET refers to a range of studies, activities, practices and learning experiences which are relevant to the world of work. It is used as a comprehensive term referring to those aspects of educational process involving, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in various sectors of economic and social life (Federal Ministry of Education, FME, 2014 and UNESCO & ILO, 2002). The Nigerian formal TVET systems includes Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics, Colleges of Education (Technical), Technical Colleges and other specialized institutions like Innovation Enterprise Institutions, Vocational Enterprise Institutions, National Vocational Qualifications Framework etc. while the informal systems work mainly through apprenticeships. The overriding goals of TVET in Nigeria are to: provide trained manpower in the applied sciences, technology and business particularly at craft, advanced craft and technical levels; provide the technical knowledge and vocational skills necessary for agricultural, commercial and economic development; and give training and impart necessary skills to individual who shall be self-reliant economically. Thus Information Communication Technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship education, in recent times, are being embedded into the curriculum and there is a greater desire at the policy level to deliver training to meet industry needs.