Research Article

ATTRACTING OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL-BASED EDUCATION IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA

Barth O. Y. OSHIONEBO1*, Akoji Israel INALEGWU1, Tomi Similoluwa AJILEYE1
1 Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, Abuja
* Corresponding author: Oshionebo@gmail.com
Published: Dec, 2025
Pages: 47-53
Views: 9
Downloads: 5

Abstract

This study explores "Attracting Out-of-School Children Through Vocational and Technical-Based Educationin Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja." The main objective was to examine how vocational and technicaleducation (VTE) can address the growing number of out-of-school children, focusing on equipping them withpractical skills for self-reliance and socio-economic development. The research design employed was adescriptive survey, with self-structured questionnaires administered to educators, policymakers, and vocationaltraining experts. The study also investigated the integration of skill-based programs, apprenticeships, andcommunity-driven initiatives to engage marginalised and underserved children. A target group comprisingstakeholders in educational institutions, vocational centres, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) wasidentified, with 150 respondents selected using stratified sampling techniques to ensure diverse perspectives.The study employed descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies and percentages for data analysis, whilethe reliability of the instrument was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha (0.80). Stratified sampling was used toselect respondents, and a pilot study ensured instrument validity. The findings revealed that vocational andtechnical education can significantly attract out-of-school children by providing accessible, skill-oriented, andculturally relevant programs. Challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient training facilities, andsocietal stigmatisation of vocational education were highlighted. Based on these findings, the studyrecommends the establishment of more vocational training centres by the Government, increased funding forVTE programs, and sensitisation campaigns to promote the value of technical education in achieving nationaldevelopment goals.

Keywords

Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) Skill Acquisition Self-Reliance Socio-Economic Development

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How to Cite

OSHIONEBO, B. O. Y., INALEGWU, A. I., & AJILEYE, T. S. (2025). ATTRACTING OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL-BASED EDUCATION IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 20(2), 47-53.

B. O. Y. OSHIONEBO, A. I. INALEGWU, and T. S. AJILEYE, "ATTRACTING OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL-BASED EDUCATION IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 47-53, December 2025.

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