Access To Technical and Vocational Education Challenge in Nigeria: Investigating the Issues, Prospects and Challenges of Private and Public Funding

This study explored the state of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Nigeria, focusing on Osogbo and Ibadan. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were drawn from 225 survey respondents and documentary analysis. The findings reveal strong recognition of TVET’s importance for human capital development and industrial growth, but also highlight chronic underfunding, policy inconsistency, infrastructural deficits, and a significant trust gap between government and private actors. Federal and state allocations to education consistently fall below the United Nation’s Education Science and Cultural Organization’s benchmark, reinforcing public scepticism about government’s commitment. Respondents supported publicprivate partnerships as essential for TVET’s sustainability, while also identifying corruption, duplication of agencies, and weak accountability as major barriers. Suggested reforms include enforceable memoranda of understanding, transparent fund management, and curriculum restructuring for job creation, and leveraging religious and community organisations as funding partners. The study concludes that repositioning TVET requires increased investment, harmonised policies, and inclusive partnerships to drive national development.