Effectiveness of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on Self-Employed Youths for Sustainable Skills Empowerment in a Knowledge-Based Economy in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria today is in a depressed economy because the tool that is needed to revamp the economy is being looked down upon, meaning the government of today has lukewarm attitudes towards Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), not taking note that the development of any nation is based in her economic, industrial and technological advancement. The study investigates the effectiveness of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on self-employed youths for sustainable skills empowerment in a knowledge-based economy in Lagos State. The study adopted a descriptive survey method. The population of the study was 60 students (30 undergraduates and 30 postgraduates, respectively). 60 questionnaire items were used, but 58 were retrieved, comprising 32 undergraduate and 26 postgraduate students. One research question and one hypothesis guided the study. The paper identifies the effectiveness of TVET and factors that inhibit its relevance on self-employed youths for sustainable skills empowerment in a knowledge-based economy. The study concluded, among others, that government and other stakeholders must provide an enabling environment for quality instructional delivery and TVET should be given utmost priority, having in mind the future consequences and the task ahead for sustainable youth skill empowerment in a knowledge-based economy, among others.