The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. It is the top most populated state of Africa while the 7th most populated country in the world. I am assuming it as a second most attractive land for foreign business owners just like UAE.
Despite such rich values, this region still lacks growth and development. I am not an expert but I think the problem is of achieving technical expertise in the citizens. I was in 9th standard and participated in a debate on the importance of education. I remember that I won that competition because of this phrase:
“Any nation won’t develop without focusing on educating them to educate their upcoming generation.”
Need for Technical Education
Technology helps to focus on learner-centric education. It enhances the quality of lifestyle. Furthermore, technology has influenced our routine (lives in established countries). We adopted and feel insecure without it. Hence, vocational courses produce engineers and technical personalities who are ethically responsible for improving your nation.
Problems & Solutions of Vocational Education in Nigeria
Nigeria is a region where industries are growing yet societies are not. I found below six reasons for this conclusion. We are sharing both the issues and its possible resolution to assist your readers.
1) Finance Problem
The primary dilemma is the issue of funds. Shortage of reserves causes numerous obstacles. Crime, illiteracy, medical problems, sheltering difficulties and many more might be the consequences.
From my perspective, the solution is already there. It is not new for our people. Already investors arrived in this area and started so many professions. The problem is with our Nigerian friends who never save cash for their future. They are even not spending the earned money on upgrading their lifestyles. As per a thesis article published in July 2018,
“If a man lives to spend then he will never change his living standard. Those who spend to live have the intention to better themselves as well as their next generation.”
2) Low Interest in Education
An important negative factor is the lack of interest in education. Kids are not willing to go to school. Three elements are supporting this issue. First one is the parents who have an uncertain and non-permanent job. The second cause is the absence of a role model for our children. And the third problem is the old conventional methods of teaching.
I personally appreciate that authorities are now taking steps to spread the awareness of innovated teaching and its effectiveness. Hence, fantastic procedures are being followed in various institutions. But still, there is a lot of gap between them.
3) Teacher’s Training
Teacher’s training is essential for updating the system growth. Coaches need to learn new methodologies of tutoring. How effectively can they use the tech in classrooms? What outcomes will they expect? How much are practical these innovations?
Government Educational Ministry Nigeria and Private School Associations, have to establish and motivate the culture to enhance self-growth of professors through various training, workshops, sessions of academic discussion, and conferences. We can assume that it is a frustrating process for unknown teachers. But trust me; this academist help will be too effective. You can check YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion, and other video sharing forums. A lot of videos related to teaching creativity are readily available on such platforms. Thus, anyone can get fruits from those practical visual segments.
4) No Practical Approach
Education can develop and uplift society. If kids get bored, they can gain marks but not literacy because grades are based on rote learning. Gradually, the rate of out-of-school children has been increased to more than 13 million. In modern cultures, our pupil demands to know the value of what they are studying.
Coaches who boost excitement in the learners become the favourite of all students. An excellent means of constructing interest is to clarify the concepts practically. Below are some of the examples possible to give to your students while schooling:
- Your mom plays with chemistry in the kitchen while cooking. So, girls learn it nicely.
- We practised mathematics commonly in our daily sale/purchase.
- Have you viewed a plumber performing some maintenance work? He is applying physic in his profession.
- If your parent wants to renovate the home, they need painting and model building services. You are learning the same which will be beneficial for home decoration and artistic career.
- Our dads plan all economic projects at the beginning of each month and then monitor those activities. All boys will become a future dad, so learn it well.
5) Unemployment for Technical Posts
A number of jobs and employees are rising on a yearly basis. But on the other hand, the unemployment rate in Nigeria is also increasing each year. In 2017, it was approximately 18.8%. However, it was raised to 23.1% in 2018. Likewise, the posts of manager or technical are mostly filled with outsiders.
Industrialists do not believe the efforts of local people. A simple resolution is to conduct workshops for our citizens. Keep the eyes open to find the skilled guys. If found anyone incompetent yet capable either polish his skills or suggest another suitable field. Offer the opportunity to locals first, then foreigners. Through this act, you would view the enthusiasm of struggling.
6) Electricity Issue
Electricity is a source of energy. It is a vital factor in the development of any region. The power outage is one of the most common dilemmas in Nigeria. Without it, several professions shut down or pause their working. Furthermore, the infrastructure has also been affected. If you wish to introduce technology and want to bring it to class, you need to address the power breakdown problem. It could severely disturb the learning process.
According to my research about this region, there are three types of applicable solutions to this issue.
- The first and the ultimate resolution is an affair to the governmental level. They have to make sure the uninterrupted electricity flow. The privatisation of the power sector will be an affirmative act.
- The alternate method is to use a generator. It is a quick fix of electrical failure. It works with petrol and diesel. You can investigate for new models and respective capacity to produce the Volt. I have even seen various models that can be operated through gas and costs cheaper than refineries.
- The third option is to install a UPS (uninterruptable power supply). I don’t think it is new for you. It gives the comfort of power backup. A tutor can use it as a substitute for power breakdown.
While Summing Up
Numerous hurdles disturb the economics and infrastructure of any nation. Some influences externally while many are subjected to internal barriers. A superb approach is to plan what are the primary necessities and then handover the project to a foreign company. Treat those companies as a bridge to the success of regional societies and citizens.
