At a recent book launch, industry leaders have sounded a clarion call for a renewed emphasis on vocational education and enterprises as well as effective Engineering pyramid in Nigeria, writes By Isqil Najim.
The event, was the launching of the book titled “How to Set Up a Thriving Vocational Academy For Nation Building and For Wealth Creation,” brought together key stakeholders from the technical sector to discuss the critical role of TVET in driving economic growth and creating a more balanced technical landscape.
Engr. Tosin Ogunmola, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, highlighted the significance of vocational studies as the foundation for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). He emphasized that these enterprises are the backbone of the economy, providing a substantial portion of jobs. By investing in vocational training, we can empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to this vital sector.
“It therefore behoves us to have all hands on the deck towards making useful contributions to vocational study, just as the author has done with this book.” He said.
Ogunmola who is also a Member in Council, NSE, bemoaned the deteriorated quality of craftsmen and artisans in the various disciplines such as plumbers, tailors, mechanics, tilers and even event planners over the years”. Saying that this is a pointer to the urgent need for a framework of formalized training in this important area.”
He criticised the excessive focus on white-collar jobs and academic studies to the detriment of blue-collar jobs and vocational studies. He said this has resulted in creating a big void in our socio-economic life.
Speaking on Engineering pyramid, Ogunmola stressed the need for an effective pyramid to create the right balance in our technical space that’ll engender the required progress as a people. This pyramid, according to him, :is designed to have a lot more of craftsmen at the base followed by a lesser number of technicians and much lesser number of technologists with a handful of engineers at the top of the pyramid.”
He pointed out that, this has now “become an inverted pyramid that is both unsustainable and ineffective.” He optimism thàt the author, through the book, seeks to address the challenges by giving a guide to entrepreneurs on how to fill the gap and do it as a thriving venture.
“The author has done a very commendable job with the workbook, which is given in an easy-to-follow and step-by-step approach. It covers relevant requirements such as regulatory approvals, location determination, marketing know-hows, opening strategies, curriculum development and a host of other considerations that will ensure the setup and running of a vocational academy is a worthwhile venture.” He said.
“In consideration of the fact that those who have ventured into the setup of vocational academies had in the past been discouraged due to the seeming lack of a support system for such ventures, I recommend this book to critical stakeholders in the technical sector including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and a host of others in order to create a much more coordinated rallying point for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria that will catalyze employment creation and technological advancement.” He concluded.
On his part, Ademola Adebayo, Managing Director of Blessedhands Vocational Academy, who authored the book, echoed this sentiment, urging for a collaborative effort between government and entrepreneurs to promote vocational skills and entrepreneurship. He emphasized that vocational training is not only a pathway to wealth creation but also a powerful tool for driving economic growth.
Adebayo, who is also an alumni of the Central Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Development Centre, called for collaboration of all tiers of government to merge entrepreneurship and vocational skills for the growth of Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
According to him, raising more entrepreneurs will act as a catalyst in the implementation of government policies, hence, the need for all tiers of government to develop vocational skills to grow SMEs.
He called for the establishment of vocational and entrepreneurship centers in all the 774 local government councils in Nigeria and advised states and the Federal Government to replicate the feat to boost the national GDP.
Adebayo commended efforts of the governments of Lagos and Edo states for deploying vocational education for skills development, and empowering of citizens to boost their Internally Generated Revenue.
He urged other states of the federation to emulate the two states.
He said that the advice became imperative because of the difference between being a technical expert and a business person.
“This book is to attract more people into the business of vocational education.
“It will allow more people to ride on my experience and training to enable them do vocational education in the right way that will be beneficial to the society,” he said.
The book offers a comprehensive guide for individuals interested in establishing vocational academies. It covers essential topics such as regulatory compliance, location selection, marketing strategies, curriculum development, and financial management. By providing a step-by-step approach, the book empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to create impactful and sustainable vocational institutions.
Key points:
1. By providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to earn a decent living, we can help to break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Furthermore, vocational education can play a crucial role in addressing the skills gap in the Nigerian labor market, ensuring that businesses have access to the talent they need to thrive.
2. To achieve a truly transformative impact, it is essential to address the challenges that have hindered the growth of vocational education in Nigeria.
3. One of the key challenges facing vocational education in Nigeria is the lack of adequate funding. Governments at all levels and private sector need to increase their investment in TVET programs to ensure that they are accessible and affordable for all.
4. By addressing these challenges and investing in vocational education, Nigeria can create a more equitable and prosperous society for all.
This is the best way to go to have robust and growing economy. Blue or white collar education are both equally good and equally important for the development of any Nation. But, they must be in a right proportion and mixture to get the best results/benefits.
There is dignity in labour – there should be an enlightenment and mind reorientation of the citizens, for this to be successfully embraced and imbibed.
Spectacular. As an individual who experienced criticism due to fact that I perceived class room education isn’t a all rounder approach to seemingly alarming population increase in our locality. The challenge of which to be address is enlightenment of our younger ones to see the benefits of TVET programs as a catalyst for self development in particular and serves as an avenue to create equitable & prosperous society for all.