National development through vocational education

Nigeria’s development journey remains stunted by several interlocking socio-economic challenges. Top among them are unemployment, a poorly skilled labour force, and deepening insecurity. At the heart of these issues is a crisis of human capital.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose to 5.0 percent in Q3 2023, up from 4.2 percent in the previous quarter. Among youths aged 15–24, the situation is even more alarming, with joblessness rising to 8.6 percent from 7.2 percent, a reminder that the country’s most productive age group continues to be the most economically excluded.

Compounding this crisis is the issue of education. As of the latest updates, 18.3 million children are reported out of school nationwide, according to UNICEF’s May 2024 estimate. This makes Nigeria the country with the highest number of out‑of‑school children globally. Focusing just on primary‑level education (ages 6-11): UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021, cited in early 2025, estimated around 10.2 million primary‑age children are currently out of school – a subset of the above number.

However, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) noted that precise figures can not be determined without an updated national census, so estimates may change once new population data becomes available.

Though efforts have been made in recent years to improve enrolment, progress has been slow and uneven, especially in northern states and rural areas. These statistics are not merely numbers; they reflect the harsh reality of a generation locked out of opportunities.

A growing body of research suggests that these twin crises of unemployment and lack of education are inextricably linked. Without access to functional education or practical skills, millions of Nigerians, particularly the youth, are unable to participate meaningfully in the economy. The consequence is a fertile ground for insecurity. From banditry to kidnapping and violent extremism, many of Nigeria’s security challenges have been traced back to high youth unemployment, poverty, and systemic neglect.

This is where vocational and technical education emerges not just as an alternative but as a strategic alternative for national development. A recent study highlights that vocational education can play a transformative role in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. By equipping young people with employable skills – in agriculture, construction, information technology, or mechanics – vocational training can empower them to become self-reliant, economically active, and less susceptible to recruitment by criminal gangs.

In this regard, it is encouraging to note that institutions like the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) are beginning to refocus national attention on the importance of vocational training. Dr Olushola Odusanya, the agency’s director-general, sometime ago noted that enhancing vocational education could raise job opportunities by up to 70 percent in the coming years. This projection may sound ambitious, but it is achievable provided the government and private sector work together to create enabling conditions.

Yet, the road to revitalising vocational education in Nigeria is fraught with challenges. Facilities across the vocational centres and technical colleges are outdated or poorly equipped, instructors are often undertrained, and many programmes lack proper accreditation. Most vocational centres operate on the margins of the education sector, receiving a fraction of the funding allocated to formal schooling. Furthermore, the lingering stigma around vocational education continues to deter many from enrolling in these programmes. It is often perceived as a last resort for those who “failed” in conventional schooling, an idea that must be urgently corrected.

To unlock the full potential of vocational education, a multi-pronged approach is needed. There must be massive investment in technical colleges and vocational training centres. These institutions need modern equipment, well-trained instructors, and curricula aligning with current market realities. Digital skills, in particular, must be prioritised to prepare the youth for jobs in emerging fields like renewable energy, coding, e-commerce, and digital fabrication.

The government must integrate vocational education into national development planning. Just as defence, infrastructure, and healthcare receive strategic attention in annual budgets, so too should technical education. For 2025 and beyond, the national budget should reflect a concrete commitment to scale up vocational training, both in urban and rural areas.

There is a need to mainstream vocational education into the formal education system. Junior secondary schools can incorporate basic technical training in their curriculum, thereby laying the foundation for more specialised instruction at higher levels – as it was in the 70s and 80s, when needlework and sewing were taught, even in primary schools. Additionally, state and local governments should collaborate with industries to create apprenticeship programmes that provide hands-on experience and job placement opportunities.

Public perception must be seriously reformed. Vocational education should be promoted not as an inferior alternative but as a legitimate and rewarding path to economic success. Media campaigns, success stories of skilled artisans and techpreneurs, and certification parity with university degrees can help change mindsets.

Nigeria cannot afford to neglect the over 18 million out-of-school children, nor can it continue to leave millions of unemployed youths idle. The economic, social, and security costs are simply too high. With a robust and well-funded vocational education strategy, the country can reduce unemployment, curb insecurity, and create a dynamic workforce that powers national development.

As insecurity continues to syphon billions of naira in security budgets with little return, vocational education offers a cheaper, more sustainable solution. By giving people the tools to build their futures, we lay the foundation for peace, productivity, and progress. Now is the time for Nigeria to prioritise skills over certificates and give its youth a future to believe in.