Technical and Vocational Education and Human Capital Development in a Diversified Economy

Abstract

For any nation to create jobs and be self-reliant there is need for human capital development through technical and vocational education. This paper therefore examines the concept of education and human capital. It further talks about technical and vocational education and how it engenders human capital development. It also highlights how the academic structure, teaching pedagogy, academic staff, industry participation and learning support programmes will help to stimulate human capital development. The paper recommends the need for government at all levels to have a deliberate policy to create conducive environment for technical and vocational education to flourish, thereby realizing its objective of enhancing human capital development in Nigeria. It further recommend the need for social education and reworking of education curriculum to make technical and vocational education compulsory from primary school to tertiary education level.