By Sade Adewale, Ondo
Prof. Patrick Egbule, has advocated that greater attention be paid towards the development of Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) in Nigeria.
Egbule, a lecturer in the Department of Vocational Education (Agricultural Science Unit), Delta State University, Abraka, Delta state, made the statement in a keynote address delivered at the 12th National Conference of School of Vocational and Technical Education, Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) Ondo.
Speaking on the topic “ Vocational Technical Education and Industry: Roadmaps for Economic Revitalization”, the keynote speaker expressed concern on what he observed as problem of youth and graduate unemployment in Nigeria, describing it as one of the critical issues in most developing countries.
While commending the Federal Government for the establishment of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the lecturer, explained that the move was aimed at showcasing the relationship between tertiary institutions and the Industry and the role the industry could play in ensuring functionality of Vocational and Technical Education in the country.
Egbule emphasized that the permanent solution to the problem of food security in Nigeria lies with development of Vocational and Technical Education.
He stressed the need for synergy between VTE and industry, as well as bridging the gaps between them, stating that the move would enable graduates of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, to acquire requisite skills.
In his remarks, the Provost of the College, Dr. Samuel Akintunde, represented by the Chairman, University Transition Committee, ACE, Dr. Olufemi Olajuyigbe, congratulated the organizers of the event and described the theme of the conference as timely.
Akintunde noted the importance of Vocational and Technical Education in contemporary society, saying as a result of rapid advancement in technology, globalization and digitization, new opportunities have been created for people to acquire skills, that would make them productive and give them opportunity to make valuable contributions to development of society.
He charged participants at the conference to come out with good communiqué, that would add to existing knowledge, and advance the growth of the country.
