Vocational Education and Poverty Reduction: A Tool for Sustainable Community Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reviewed some best practices of Vocational Education around the world. Vocational education as a concept provides people with a living skill to use as a means of livelihood. It further addressed the Nigerian experience from the pre-colonial period and post-colonial experiences. Some suggested measures were also advanced to provide for effective implementation of the Vocational Education programme in Nigeria. The paper also opined as a means which Nigerians need as a fallback position in their effort towards reducing poverty in their communities. Citizen participation as an important arm of Community Development was not feasible as most Nigerians are intimidated with poverty on their necks in the midst of abundance. Hence, the need for Vocational Education among the youths as a means of improving their quality of life.

Keywords: vocational education, poverty reduction, sustainable community development