Nigeria

Agricultural Information Utilization Pattern Among Rural Women Farmers: A Community Level Study in Ebonyi State, Nigeria (Published)

This study was to investigate the pattern of agricultural information utilization among the rural women farmers in Effium community of Ebony State. Three research questions and null hypothesis were developed to guide the study. A structured questionnaire was also developed, validated and used for eliciting information from 540 rural women farmers. Data were analyzed with mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions; and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. From the findings, rural women farmers are mostly within middle age for active use of agricultural information; but have small farm holdings, and depend to great extent on inter-personal communication for agricultural information. The findings also revealed that most of rural women farmers have low education. The respondents agreed that women farmers use information on fertilizer, herbicides, improved seeds, labour sources and market locations. But, women rarely use information on livestock management, record keeping, farm planning, sources of credit and farm mechanization. It was then-recommended that government should deploy extension agents into rural areas to educate farmers on the need and how to use new agricultural information technologies. Again farmers should be encouraged to form co-operative societies to enable them secure greater inputs to improve their income.

Keywords: Ebonyi State, Nigeria, agricultural information utilization pattern, community level study, rural women farmers

The Role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Rail Transportation in the Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria (Published)

This research delves into the synergies existing between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) alongside rail transportation within Nigeria and their implications on socio-economic advancement. By conducting an exhaustive literature review, the research delves into how TVET tackles skills deficits, encourages creativity, and supports entrepreneurial activities in the railway industry. Furthermore, it evaluates the role of rail transportation in advancing infrastructure, boosting economic development, enhancing regional connections, and facilitating sustainable urban growth. Barriers such as financial limitations and obsolete infrastructure impede the full exploitation of TVET and rail transportation capacities. The integration of TVET with rail transportation offers prospects for enriching skill acquisition, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable urban development. Suggestions include allocating resources towards enhancing TVET and rail infrastructure, refining curricula, and establishing collaborations with industry stakeholders. This study underscores the significance of aligning TVET and rail transportation to foster comprehensive growth and innovation in Nigeria.

Keywords: Nigeria, Skills Development, Socio-economic development., TVET, rail transportation

Performance Evaluation of Skills Acquisition for Self- Reliance among Graduates of Technical Colleges in Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)

Citation: Alfred Denis Oyama and God’sdesire Alfred Oyama (2022)  Performance Evaluation of Skills Acquisition for Self- Reliance among Graduates of Technical Colleges in Cross River State, Nigeria, International Journal of Vocational and Technical Education Research, Vol. 8, No.1 pp.1-10

Abstract: This study sought to evaluate skills acquisition for self-reliance among graduates of technical colleges in Cross River State, Nigeria. Relevant literatures to the variable of the study was critically examined. Descriptive research design was adopted for this study. A sample of 241graduates was used for the study. The sampling technique adopted for study was accidental and snowball sampling technique. The main instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire with reliability coefficient ranging from .84, .63 and 63 and data raised were analyzed using the simple percentage analysis. The results obtained showed a significant positive influence of skills acquisition for self-reliance among graduates of technical colleges in Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that government should reposition all the technical colleges in Cross River State, Nigeria and Products of technical colleges should be regularly evaluated to provide immediate feedback and spot areas that will require modification in order to continue to sustain and promote the programme. Finally, the study suggested that a replication of this study should be carried out again on the variables that were not previously investigated.

Keywords: Cross River State, Nigeria, Self-reliance, Skills Acquisition, Technical Education, graduates

Occupational Preference of Vocational Technical Teacher Education Students in South-South, Nigeria (Published)

Amid increasing students’ enrollment in Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) vocational technical education (VTE) programmes in colleges of education (COEs), there is evident shortage of vocational technical teachers in basic education schools across Nigeria. Understanding the occupational preference of students, their career destination and reasons for the preference could assist in addressing the shortage and how to provide support to facilitate students’ transition from school to work. The study aimed to investigate occupational preference of students, reveal reasons which shaped the preference and possible differences in preference in relation to students’ field of specialization. The participants were final year (N=499) vocational technical teacher education students in South-South, Nigeria. The sample size was 222 students. The research data was collected using researcher constructed questionnaire. This instrument has a reliability index of 0.85. The data collected was analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed teaching as the occupational preference of the students. Students’ preference for teaching was shaped by non-monetary motivational factors as job security, love for teaching and working with people. Abundant job opportunities in teaching field, which are easy to access and flexible working hours that provide opportunities to engage in other economic activities further explained students’ preference for teaching. Students’ preference for teaching was not influenced by their areas of specialization. Consequently, it was recommended that government should introduce incentives to encourage students to enter and remain in teaching.

Keywords: Nigeria, Nigeria Certificate in education, Occupational preference, Self-employment, South-South, Teaching, vocational technical education

Status of Human Resources and Evaluation Techniques Used For Entrepreneurship Development Programme in Polytechnics in South-East Nigeria (Published)

This study was carried out to find out the status of human resources and evaluation techniques used for entrepreneurship development programme in polytechnics in South-east Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study was conducted in all the polytechnics in South-east Nigeria. The population of this study comprised all the 390 entrepreneurship lecturers in polytechnics in South-east Nigeria. As a result of the manageable size, the entire population was used. Thus, there was no sampling of respondents. Data were collected for the study through the administration of validated questionnaire on the respondents. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach alpha (α) reliability statistic. The overall reliability coefficient obtained was 0.84. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study and two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. In analyzing the data collected for the study, mean and standard deviation were used to answer research the questions. T-test inferential statistic was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the human resources needed for implementing entrepreneurship development programme were available, and all evaluation techniques for entrepreneurship development programme were utilized. The study further revealed that computer, instructional materials and white marker boards, scanner, photocopiers, printers, lecture halls and spacious lecture rooms were available for implementing entrepreneurship development programme of polytechnics in South-east Nigeria. It was recommended, among others that lecturers should continue to use the various teaching methods revealed in study while further efforts should be made to research on other methods that are not included in the option which will also reduce unemployment among the youths.  Entrepreneurship educators should continually appraise themselves in order to make worthwhile adjustment in their teaching techniques

 

Citation:Charles A. Ejeka (2021) Status of Human Resources and Evaluation Techniques Used For Entrepreneurship Development Programme in Polytechnics in South-East Nigeria, International Journal of Vocational and Technical Education Research, Vol.7, No.3 pp.1-12

 

Keywords: Human Resources, Nigeria, Polytechnics, South-East, Status, entrepreneurship development programme, evaluation techniques

Perceived Effect of Use of Information and Communication Technology Tools for Instructional Delivery in Tertiary Institution in Nigeria. (Published)

One of UNESCO’s overriding aim is to ensure that all tertiary institutions both colleges of education/polytechnics, and universities have access to the best of educational facilities necessary to prepare young people to play full roles in modern society and to contribute to a knowledge nation. They maintain a capacity to advise national government on the use of technology in schools and in particular on the use of institutional delivery tools. It defines ICTS, classified four basic institutional uses of such as retrieval of new knowledge and integration of evolving technologies for the management of teaching and learning. Moue so, e-learning, blended learning, open and distance learning, learner centered environment, Title conference, telecollobration as well as to improve quality of education were highlighted challenges confronting institutional delivery were examined. Recommendations were made which include the parliamentarian should pass a bill on stabilizing the price of educational tools in the markets to make it affordable for students to acquire at a reduced rate. Also conferences, workshops and symposium should be organized to train people and enlighten them on the need for instructional delivery in schools.

Keywords: ICT, Nigeria, Tertiary Institution, Tools, instructional delivery

The Importance of Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria’s Development (Published)

There can be no sustainable national development without vocational and technical education, and there can be no vocational and technical education without skills acquisition. The issue of sustainable national development is not a one-day event, but constant or continuous process that affects the citizens positively. The paper x-rayed the peculiar characteristics of vocational and technical education in providing necessary skills to the populace for sustainable national development. The conceptual clarification of vocational education, technical education, vocational and technical education, and sustainable national development were considered. The paper further discussed a brief history of vocational and technical education in Nigeria, during the pre-colonial, colonial and the post-colonial era. The paper examines the importance of vocational and technical education in Nigeria development. It further highlighted the role of vocational and technical education in sustainable national development. The paper concluded that non-acquisition of saleable skills has been a major factor in the countries under development and high rates of poverty and other social vices. Therefore, VTE as the type of education with these values should be recognized and taken serious for sustainable national development to strive.

 

Keywords: Development, Education, Nigeria, Technical, Vocational

Influence of Institutional Variables on Employability Skills Acquisition among Business Education Students in Tertiary Institutions In Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)

This study determined the influence of institutional variables on employability skills acquisition among Business Education students in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. Survey research design was employed in carrying out the study. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire which was validated by two Vocational Educators and an expert in Measurement and Evaluation. A reliability estimate of .80, .81 and .87 was achieved for the research variables using Cronbach Alpha Statistical Analysis, after a trial test was conducted using 20 final year Business Education students in University of Uyo who did not form part of the main study sample. The questionnaire was administered to 400 final year Business Education students using stratified and accidental sampling techniques. Data analysis was done, while two (2) hypotheses were formulated and tested for significance using Simple Linear Regression Statistical Technique. Analyzed data were presented in form of tables and the results revealed that there is significant influence of classroom climate and instructional method on employability skills acquisition among Business Education Students. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that the teacher should always utilize practical method of instruction that can help the students concretize what they learn and apply it in real life situation as learnt.

Keywords: Business Education, Cross River State, Employability Skills, Institutional variables, Nigeria

Poverty Reduction through Investment in Technical Education in Akwa Ibom State (Published)

The study determined the opinions of technical teachers about poverty reduction and strategies to be adopted for poverty reduction in Akwa Ibom State. A survey research design was used for the study. Sixty technical teachers were sampled from the population of 131 technical teachers in all the technical colleges in Akwa Ibom State. Poverty Reduction through Investment in Technical Education Questionnaire (PRITEQ) developed by the researchers was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was validated by three experts from University of Uyo and the reliability coefficient of the instrument was .86. Data obtained were analysed using mean and simple percentage. Findings of the study revealed that poverty reduction may occur through investment in technical education. Also, mandatory technical education, siting of industries/skill acquisition centres, adequate funding of poverty reduction programmes and training people for self reliance are the strategies to be adopted for poverty reduction in Akwa Ibom State. It was recommended among others that government and international agencies should fund technical education programme heavily.

Keywords: Investment, Nigeria, Poverty Reduction, Technical Education

Partnerships for Knowledge Production: A Panacea for Skills Acquisition for Sustainable Development through Vocational Education in Nigeria (Published)

This paper focused on partnerships for knowledge production as a panacea for skills acquisition for sustainable development through Vocational Education in Nigeria. Although the government of Nigeria is emphasizing Entrepreneurial Education to promote skills acquisition for economic growth, the government has failed to match it plans with concrete actions by way of financial support and provision of facilities to enhance proper preparation of the learners for skills acquisition at graduation. Skill acquisition is the sole aim of Vocational Education. A survey of some programmes in the Universities has shown that this programme (Vocational Education) is organized without practicals due to lack of facilities such as workshops and laboratories with modern equipments. Students who offer computer education in most cases are not exposed to practical experience. This is applicable to other areas of Vocational Education as well. This paper highlighted other challenges such as lack of implementation of research results in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), lack of students exchange and linkage programmes in some Universities. Finally, among other recommendations, the paper raised the need for Federal and State governments to allocate a substantial amount of funds in their yearly budgets for proper implementation of Vocational Education programme in Nigeria.

Keywords: Nigeria, Skills Acquisition, Sustainable Development, Vocational education, knowledge production, partnerships