VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION (V.A.E): A TOOL FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH TOWARDS STEMING YOUTH EMIGRATION IN OYO METROPOLIS; LECTURER’S INSIGHT

Abstract

The relevance of vocational education in a developing economy cannot be over- emphasized. The study investigated impact of vocational agricultural education on economic growth of Oyo Metropolis towards stemming youth emigration. Specifically, the study determined the factors that inhibit vocational agricultural education from enhancing economic growth; and examine the challenges facing vocational agricultural education in Oyo Metropolis. Data were collected from 50 lecturers. Simple percentages and chi-square were employed to analyze the data and test hypotheses were formulated. The instrument used was self-structured questionnaire, and the reliability of instrument was ensured through test re test method, The finding was supported by chi-square result in which the X² calculated (108.08) is greater than X² tabulated (21.026). Vocational education prepares people for occupational fields and for effective participation in the work; it improves the economic situation of Nigeria through the training of the students in different skills and gives individual the ability to exploit market opportunities. The study also found several factors that inhibited vocational education from enhancing economic growth in Oyo Metropolis. It was confirmed by the chi-square result (X² cal = 34.76 greater than X² tab = 21.026). It was concluded that vocational agricultural education contributed to economic growth in Oyo Metropolis. Meanwhile, there were some limiting factors which has to be tackled, it was however recommended that people should be adequately sensitized about VAE through various mediums, while government should ensure that VAE personnel and professionals are adequately renumerated and involved in policy making, coupled with adequate funding.