Professor Emmanuel Raymond of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, argues that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential for Nigeria to combat unemployment, rising insecurity, and economic stagnation. During the university’s 131st lecture, he criticized the current educational landscape for its obsession with paper qualifications at the expense of necessary technical expertise.
Raymond pointed out that the nation’s reliance on theory has created a workforce ill-equipped for industry demands, leaving millions of graduates without employment. He highlighted that while over 700,000 graduates struggle to find work, many sectors lack skilled laborers. He emphasized that prioritizing vocational paths could reduce poverty and stabilize the nation by keeping youth meaningfully occupied.
To address this crisis, Raymond proposed that the government bolster investment in TVET, establish a National Skills Development Fund, and mandate vocational training in secondary education. He also appealed to private businesses to strengthen internship programs and collaborate on curriculum design. Vice-Chancellor Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta echoed these sentiments, stressing that universities must shift their focus toward fostering entrepreneurship to transform students into job creators rather than job hunters.
