STATUS OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This study examined the status of vocational and technical education in secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria. It is an analytical survey research to determine facilities, safety availability, personnel, and challenges in these schools. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The total population of the study was 254 teachers with a sample size of 150 teachers selected via disproportionate stratified sampling technique. The researcher used a check list to determine the availability of tools/equipment, machineries and infrastructural facilities and a staff records questionnaire titled “Vocational and Technical Education Programme Instrument (VOTEPI)” for staff records. The face and content validity of the instrument was established and a Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument with a reliability coefficient of 0.92 obtained. Data was collected by the researcher and two research assistants. Mean, and standard deviation, number and percentage count were used to answer the research questions, while hypotheses was analysed using one way ANOVA and Chi Square. The findings of this study revealed that there was no significant difference among the 3 programmes of Vocational and Technical Education Secondary Schools in Rivers State. Workshop equipment were found to be inadequate. Teachers were also found to be inadequate both in number and in qualifications. Facilities available for teaching Electrical Installation Work, Metal Work Construction and Automobile Technology in the schools, do not differ significantly. The extent of challenges encountered by teachers who teach these programmes across the Vocational and Technical Education Schools are not significant.