TVET and Nurturing Skills for Sustainable Regional Development: Perspectives from West Africa
With the increasing awareness among global governments on the need to invest in knowledge and skills as foundation for developing an employable and globally competitive workforce, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is considered as pivotal to achieving both national and regional development goals. The renewed acknowledgment of the critical role TVET plays in providing platform for the development of skills for the world of work has brought it back to the front burner after decades of its neglect for other arms of education by many governments in West Africa as well as Sub-Sahara Africa. Despite the increased awareness, provision of appropriate learning materials is hampered by lack of funds as many countries in the region have not been able to finance TVET at a level that can support quality training. The region faces the enormous challenge of providing stable and sustained socio-economic development that will provide room for lifting the region’s young population out of poverty induced by unemployment and protect the region from poverty-triggered insecurity. The West Africa region faces human capital development challenges; youth unemployment, under-employment and working in vulnerable conditions thrive in the region in the face of abundant natural resources, and an unabated struggle with the absence of enabling environments for employment opportunities to thrive. This paper examines the status of TVET delivery in West Africa, the nexus between TVET and skills development, identifies regional priorities and strategies for development of TVET linked to the regional development using eclectic data gathering approach, literature reviews and document analysis. Recommendations are made for more inclusive approach to TVET delivery, increased funding, concerted regional framework for effective skills development, strategic engagement of the private sector in TVET delivery and provision of targeted programs for cultivating relevant skills needed for access to decent work, life-long learning and preparation for responsible citizenship among the growing youth population. Keywords: TVET, Skill, Regional Development, West Africa