ABSTRACT

In this era of globalization and technological revolution, education is considered as a first step for every human activity. It plays a vital role in the development of human capital and it is linked with an individual, well-being and opportunities for a better living. Thus, it ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skills that enable individuals to increase their productivity and improve their quality of life. Nigeria having realized the effectiveness of education as a powerful instrument for national progress and development is continuously adjusting her educational philosophy and methodology to match the ideals and challenges of changing economic and social structure of a modern society by adjusting her secondary school educational system to encompass diversified curriculum that integrates academic with technical and vocational subjects with a view to empowering the individual for self-employment. According to the National Policy on Education (2009), the broad aims and objectives of secondary education in Nigerian educational system are preparation for useful living within the society (self-employment) and preparation for higher education. However, the educational system does not seem to achieve its purpose as majority of school leavers are not equipped with necessary skills to empower themselves. Consequently they cannot raise their socio-economic standards and therefore cannot contribute to nation building.A good number of students who have completed their secondary education but failed to secure admission into institutions of higher learning are in dilemma. This is because they are not equipped with the requisite skills for self or paid employment (Igwe, 2007). It is no longer news that the nation’s youth unemployment rate has skyrocketed.