Capacity Building Strategies in Vocational Technical Education for Effective Global Competitiveness, Job Creation and National Development in Nigeria.

Abstract

This paper focuses on capacity building strategies in Vocational Technical Education (VTE) for effective global competitiveness, job creation and national development in Nigeria. The concept of capacity building as it relates to VTE was discussed. The need for capacity building was explained; and it was revealed that capacity building is necessary because of the high level of underdevelopment in Nigeria which is as a result of the prevalence of skill gap among the students, workforce or members of staff in most organizations and educational institutions in Nigeria. It was also revealed that in every technological institution, skill gap are noticeable in five areas: basic skills, technical skills, professional skills, management/leadership skills, and emotional intelligence skills. The paper therefore calls for the need to empower VTE teachers and students with the requisite skills for improved performance. To enhance empowerment of VTE teachers and students, the researchers developed capacity building strategies for VTE. In conclusion, the researchers stressed the need for various government, individuals and other stake holders to invest seriously in capacity building programmes and also recommended adoption of the strategies developed by the researchers to enhance production of technical graduates that can compete globally, involve in job creation, entrepreneurship development and wealth generation.