REVITALIZING TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) plays a vital role in socio-economic development and youth empowerment, particularly in developing countries. TVET equips individuals with practical skills directly aligned with labour market needs, enhancing employability and contributing to economic growth. For youths, TVET offers an alternative route to employment, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependency on traditional higher education pathways. Moreover, TVET programs that are linked to current industry demands help bridge the skills gap, promote innovation, and drive productivity. It also supports social inclusion by offering marginalized groups equitable access to skill-building opportunities, thereby reducing inequality. Public-private partnerships are critical in ensuring that TVET systems remain relevant and responsive to evolving labor market requirements. This paper x-rayed the relevance of TVET in fostering socio-economic development and empowering youths by enhancing their employability, reducing unemployment, and stimulating innovations for socio-economic and national development. According to the paper, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a vital and indispensable tool for socio-economic development, youth empowerment and job creation in developing countries and therefore recommend the enhancement of TVET across the developing nations of Africa, including Nigeria. This can be achieved through government interventions, sensitization of the society and collaboration of all stakeholders.