By Adewole Oriade

Nigeria is a nation that is richly endowed with natural resources, with the potential to harness its vast population for economic growth. Despite this, unemployment remains one of the

country’s major challenges―just like several other developing nations―and this poses significant risks, especially for its youthful population.

The socio-economic implications of the rising unemployment rate require urgent government intervention, particularly in young people’s development, as Nigeria’s youthful population is vital to national growth.

According to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2024 was 5.3 per cent, marking a third consecutive increase since the second quarter of 2023.

Consequently, Nigeria’s misery index―combining unemployment and inflation rates―rose from 30.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2023 to 36.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2024.

Unemployment is notably higher among youths with post-secondary education (9.0 per cent) compared to those with secondary (6.9 per cent) and primary education (4.0 per cent). This negative correlation between human capital development and unemployment shows a possible mismatch between labour market requirements and the skills of the graduate.

This, according to NESG, contributes to the high rate of youths not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), which grew to 14.4 per cent in Q1 2024 from 13.7 per cent in Q3 2023.

An effective intervention to these challenges lies in prioritising technical and vocational education. This approach would not only address unemployment but would also curb the social problems associated with joblessness.

The International Labour Organisation estimates that youths unemployment in Nigeria stood at 5.84 per cent in 2023. This concerning trend requires the attention of all as it negatively impacts economic growth, fueling social vices such as armed robbery and violent crime.

Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), focuses on developing a pool of skilled, self-reliant craftsmen, technicians and technologists to meet the needs of a modern economy.

TVET equips young people with practical and applied skills, preparing them for self-employment and contributing to national development. Policies to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education Training in the country are essential, ensuring schools equip students with the skills and mindset to generate employment―from the onset of their academic pursuits―and support the economy.

Unfortunately, Nigeria has yet to give Technical and Vocational Education adequate attention. The consequences of this neglect are the exacerbated rate of unemployment and poverty that has deprived the nation of the contributions of its youth. A strategic focus on Technical and Vocational Education as a means to sustainable livelihood is urgently needed. Today’s employers increasingly demand practical skills, making technical education vital for expanding employment opportunities. The government must make TVET appealing to young people, helping them create wealth and drive economic growth.

Promoting skill acquisition is key to solving unemployment, therefore, higher institutions should emphasise employability and entrepreneurship. Also, the government must develop a robust national policy that will integrate vocational education into mainstream education and encourage students and graduates to pursue technical skills for self-employment.

It is equally important to empower individuals with Technical and Vocational skills. Unfortunately, many skilled workers such as plumbers, electricians, fabricators etc. due to a lack of proper support to establish their businesses and low patronage, abandon their trades for transport jobs―which offer quicker returns―creating a vacuum that has led to the importation of skilled labour from neighbouring countries.

This trend weakens the long-term sustainability of technical professions in the country. The government should encourage collaboration among skilled youths and provide the needed support to thrive.

According to the Global Journal of Human-Social Science and Linguistic Education, Nigeria has about 19 Federal Technical Colleges of Education and 150 state-owned ones. Some of these colleges―rated low in terms of perception and acceptance―suffer from inadequate manpower and outdated facilities.

These Technical Colleges offer courses and subjects on electrical, steel fabrication, catering, hotel management, furniture, motor vehicle repair, plumbing, radio/television repairs, refrigeration/air conditioning, block making etc. Reviving these colleges and equipping them with modern facilities, developing a policy to enhance their status, are vital to effectively teaching technical and vocational skills.

Perhaps the Federal Government should model Lagos State, whose government has improved its five technical colleges, and hosts an annual Enterprise Day to equip youths with entrepreneurial skills. The state colleges also provide competence-based education and entrepreneurship, contributing to job creation. This initiative of the Lagos government aims to create a new generation of entrepreneurs. Private sector partnerships with organisations like the Nigerian Employment Consultative Assembly (NECA) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) further enhance technical skills development.

The Federal Government can also learn from China, whose government collaborates with the World Bank to improve technical education. China’s policies integrate vocational training into all levels of education and provide financial and technical assistance for vocational colleges. The goal of this policy is to create a world-class vocational education system.

In conclusion, the Federal Government must prioritise the revival of its technical colleges to function effectively, and the identification of students with technical talents from an early age. The government should develop a concrete policy to promote vocational education and reduce unemployment. This strategy would create a skilled workforce, encourage self-reliance and drive economic development. Oriade, a management consultant with bias for human capacity development, is the chief executive officer of Dexnova Consulting Limited, Lagos.

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