Building a Skilled and Inclusive Society for Mitigating Unemployment in Rivers State, Nigeria: The Role of Industrial Technology Education

Abstract

This study investigated the role of Industrial Technology Education (ITE) in building a skilled and inclusive society for mitigating unemployment in Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the extent to which ITE promotes technical skill acquisition for graduate employability, enhances inclusivity in skills development and employment opportunities, and identified the challenges affecting its effectiveness in mitigating unemployment. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 158 respondents, consisting of 67 Industrial Technology Education lecturers and 91 final-year students from Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt. A sample of 113 respondents was selected using a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled “Industrial Technology Education and Employment Enhancement Questionnaire (ITEEEQ)”, structured on a 4-point Likert rating scale. The instrument was validated by experts in Industrial Technology Education and Measurement and Evaluation, while a Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.87 established its internal consistency. Data were analysed using mean (x̄) and standard deviation. The findings revealed that Industrial Technology Education significantly promotes technical skill acquisition for graduate employability (Grand Mean = 3.52), enhances inclusivity in skills development and employment opportunities (Grand Mean = 3.23), and that inadequate funding, obsolete workshop facilities, weak university–industry collaboration, inadequate curriculum review, and negative societal perceptions constitute major constraints to its effectiveness in mitigating unemployment (Grand Mean = 3.52). The study concluded that strengthening ITE is essential for developing a skilled workforce and reducing unemployment in Rivers State. It was recommended, among others, that government should increase funding for ITE programmes to improve practical training facilities; universities should strengthen partnerships with industries to enhance students' workplace exposure and employability; and curriculum developers should periodically review the curriculum to integrate emerging technologies, digital competencies, and entrepreneurship education.