BUILDING EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT WORKFORCE FOR ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION: A FOCUS ON NIGERIA COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATION OF POLYTECHNICS IN AFRICA (CAPA) CONFERENCE, ABUJA. DAUDA GYEMANG PLATEAU STATE POLYTECHNIC, JOS, NIGERIA

Introduction  The backbone of the economies of developed countries is manufacturing activities  Manufacturing activities have changed as a result of improvement in technology.  Developed countries are evolving strategies which will improve and sustain their manufacturing activities.  Nigeria must transform her economy through manufacturing.  Explanations for poor economic growth in Nigeria include poor education.  Education is strategic and critical for the development of any nation. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Introduction contd.  Nigeria is enmeshed in deep security crisis as a result, the country is in a state of quiescence.  The insecurity has caused near collapse of education in the northern part of the country.  Generally, education in Nigeria is characterized by industrial disharmony.  Causes for poor economic performance of Nigeria include emphasis placed on the production of agricultural crops, policy formulation and implementation, and misplaced priorities. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Introduction contd.  To reverse the declining trend in economic fortunes, the country must cultivate the culture of manufacturing whilst improving on agricultural practices.  A pool of efficient and effective manpower is key to manufacturing.  Western industrialized nations and Asian tigers are prospering through indutrialization. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Infrastructures for realizing economic transformation through the building of effective and efficient manpower  Institutional Arrangement  Policy Framework and Strategies  Technological Manpower  TVET and Manpower Development  Curricula Reform 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

 Institutional Framework  Higher institutions are responsible for the development of manpower for Nigerian economy.  Polytechnics play a crucial role in manpower development in Nigeria.  Causes of ineffectiveness of Nigerian education sector: Industrial disharmony Policy discontinuity Inadequate resources 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Policy Framework and Strategies  Nigerian government must put in place effective policy on manpower development.  TVE, Agriculture and manufacturing must be integrated.  Effective implementation of government industrial policy.  TVE and appropriate technology for pride of place in development policies  Strong political will to redirect the growth and development of TVE towards capacity building. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Technological manpower  Path-breaking technological advances have revolutionized social, economic, education, and administrative conditions.  New types of equipment have brought about change.  There is no part of modern living that is not yet touched by the computer.  ICT, through computer and connectivity is transforming teaching and learning. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Technological manpower contd.  As a result of technology, the economic environment has shifted from industrial based with focus on physical assets – factory, machines, etc., to a high technology, information, innovation based environment with a focus on expertise, talents, creativity, skills, and experience.  ICT must be used to develop efficient and effective workforce that fit into 21 st Century manufacturing activities. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

 The Role of TVE in Manpower Development  TVE must collaborate national initiatives to boost innovation and performance.  TVE contributes to development of creative manpower that can participate effectively in economic activities.  TVE can facilitate technological catch-up, and thus improve the potential for faster growth.  TVE contributes meaningfully to the capacity building of Nigeria. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Curriculum Reform  It is the relevant curriculums, in response to the dictates of technology - ICT, for the higher institutions that will ensure Nigeria’s comfortable participation in increased competitiveness within the globalizing economy.  Research on existing curricula and their suitability for serving Nigeria’s needs may shed light on new and useful directions that curricula could take. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Strategies for Developing Efficient and Effective Workforce.  The government and people of Nigeria should accord technical and vocational education priority status because it is an effective tool for the development of competent workforce.  TVE institutions must ensure that they turn out productive workforce who are quality who are quality focused, innovative, and know how to use technology and team work for continuous improvement. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Strategies for Developing Efficient and Effective Workforce contd.  The TVE institutions must be provided with ICT infra- structures and support services so that both the lecturers and the students can access innovation.  The government must ensure innovation of the economy – access to markets, goods, rails, airports, seaports and high-speed Internet connections that move products and services quickly and safely to a large number of consumers. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

In conclusion  The economic benefits of TVE in Nigeria is very low:  Low because government does not see it as a sector of strategic importance.  The government has failed to accord TVE a priority status.  Low because there is always lack of political will to provide and fund education adequately.  Low because the educational environment is characterized by industrial disharmony. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

In conclusion  Strategic human capital development policy is necessary:  Necessary because it must as a matter of urgency specify the relevant knowledge and skills necessary to transform the Nigerian economy.  Necessary because it forms the basis of improved agricultural and manufacturing activities. 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION

Thank you for your attention 6/11/ CAPA PRESENTATION