Calls for Proactive Development of Vocational Education in Nigeria to Foster Economic Growth

The Chevening Alumni Association of Nigeria (CAAN) has called on the federal government to jump-start proactive development in all sectors of the Nigerian economy through urgent collaboration with private sector professionals who are willing to drive end-to-end growth in the country’s economy.

This took the form of recommendations from the break-out sessions at the maiden edition of the National Chevening Alumni Leadership Summit/Re-union Gala, held at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
CAAN at the leadership summit analysed every sector of the country’s economy and extracted feedback from various discussion groups on collectively moving the nation’s economy forward.

It emphasised the importance of vocational education in the country as a bridge that fills the gap left by the more traditional higher education and a platform that contributes to the country’s economy.

For CAAN, the definition of vocational education is changing; going beyond past notions of an apprenticeship programme and becoming a more dynamic tool of empowerment of our nation’s youth.
CAAN further posited that the country’s educational planners and regulators must put in place measures that would make vocational education attractive to the teeming population.

“Indeed, the country’s educational framework must put vocational education at par with higher education, as this would leap-frog job opportunities in areas requiring technical expertise and human capital development.”
The association listed new job opportunities in the non-oil sectors such as shipping, logistics, agro-allied industries, manufacturing, ICT, aviation and the semiconductor industry as areas that would expand Nigeria’s economy.

Members of the Chevening Alumni Association are products of various top universities in the United Kingdom and recipients of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master’s at any UK university.

The scholarship programme provides a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK. Chevening is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organisations.

After the one year course of study, these distinguished Cheveners return to Nigeria to contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation. Nigeria has over 1,400 Chevening Alumni drawn from across the private and public sectors and civil society. Among them are Prof. Chukwudi Amasike, renowned legal practitioner, Prof Kenneth Amaeshi, Senior Lecturer University of Edinburgh, Amina Oyagbola of MTN, Simon Kolawole, publisher of The Cable, John Momoh, President and Chairman of Channels TV, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Bank among other distinguished Nigerians.