INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSES OF LOW PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) PROGRAMS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Author : DR. EMMANUEL I. ONYEBUCHI, ENGR. DR. LYDIA ADETOLA

Abstract :Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a critical role in equipping individuals with employable skills essential for national development and economic transformation. However, in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, public perception of TVET remains low despite its potential to address youth unemployment and foster industrial growth. This empirical study investigated the causes of low public perception of TVET programmes among key stakeholder groups students, parents, instructors, and employers in Lagos State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised 400 respondents selected using stratified random sampling from public technical colleges TVET Institutions, industries, and communities in Lagos State. A structured questionnaire titled Public Perception of TVET Questionnaire (PPTQ) was used to collect data. Cronbach alpha reliability method was adopted to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaire item and the overall reliability coefficient of 0.86 was obtained. Out of 400 distributed questionnaires, 382 were returned and valid for analysis (95.5% response rate). Data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. From the data analyzed, the results showed that there is a Lack of understanding regarding Technical and vocational education and Training (TVET) programs, that the overall public perception of TVET in Lagos State was generally low, Stigma, inadequate facilities, outdated curriculum, and weak employers confidence were identified as the most significant factors influencing perception. The study recommends continuous advocacy campaigns, scholarship incentives, and integration of modern technologies in TVET institutions to boost societal respect for technical and vocational education in Lagos state

Keywords :Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Public Perception, Lagos State Nigeria.

Conference Name :International Conference on Vocational Education and Training (ICVET-25)

Conference Place New York ,USA

Conference Date 2nd Dec 2025