GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT This study sought to examine the strategies for developing skills education and improved quality of technical education for rapid industrialization and employability in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The researchers assessed the reasons for low interest of skills education by Nigerians. In order to carry out this study objectively, two specific objectives, two research questions and two research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted with sample size of 250 drawn from two technical colleges in Akwa Ibom State. A 15-item structured questionnaire tagged, “Strategies for Developing Skills Education and Improved Quality Questionnaire (SDSEIQQ)” designed by the researchers was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions while ANOVA was used in testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study anchored on innovation theory proposed by Joseph Schumpter in 1942 as its theoretical framework. From the findings obtained, it was observed that skills education plays a major role in developing and improving the economic sectors. It was also revealed that government lukewarm attitude and neglect hindered skills education in Nigeria. Furthermore, Nigerians low interest in skills education affect its development in employment of the graduates. The researchers recommended among others that the government of Nigeria through Technical Schools Board and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) should embark on general reviewed of the present curriculum and policies of skills education in Nigeria as well as provide infrastructure and facilities for effective training to produce skilled graduates for industrial needs. Key Words: Education, Developing Skills and Employment