THE ROLE OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN PROMOTING ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Aliyu Mohammed Bisalla, TPL. D.U Abubakar & TPL. Emmanuel Aiyenajeh

Department of Arts and Industrial Design, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

E-mail: bisalla2003@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Vocational and Technical education is a vital component of education in development of practical and sellable/marketable skills for national economic empowerment and development in Nigeria. It is, therefore, a catalyst for diversifying Nigeria economy that is over depended on the oil sector of the economy for revenue acquisition. This paper started the discussion with detailed definitions and clarification of a few vital concepts. The paper also looked into the history of the development of vocational and technical education in Nigeria, it effect on the industrial revolution, socio-economic and political stability in Nigeria. It also clarifies the different skill acquisition through vocation and technical education in our tertiary institutions for manpower development. This paper also examines some certain factors responsible for the setback in vocational and technical education for sustainable growth and development. It also makes recommendations on how vocational and technical education can be given top priority in both formal and informal educational system for sustainable economic development

Keywords: Education, Diversification, Sustainability, Nigeria, Vocational, Skills