Perspective of Technical Educators on the Future of Industrial Technology Education in an Era of Economic Uncertainties in Lagos and Ogun States' Colleges of Education, Nigeria
Dawodu, Rasheed Adegbenro1, Ogunbote, Shefiu2 and Adegunle, Felix Omotayo3
1,2&3Department of Technology Education, College of Information & Technology Education, Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin
Abstract
This study is designed to investigate the perspectives of technical educators on the future of Industrial Technology Education (ITE) in an era of economic uncertainties in Lagos and Ogun States’ Colleges of Education, Nigeria. Two research questions was formulated to guide the study. The population of the study was 50 Industrial Technical Educators from two selected Colleges of education in Lagos and Ogun States Nigeria which made up the sample size. No sampling technique was used in the study. The instrument for the data collection was a self-constructed questionnaire titled the perspectives of technical educators on the future of Industrial Technology Education (ITE) in an era of economic uncertainties about the sustainability and effectiveness of ITE programmes. The instrument was designed in a 5-point like scale of requirement. The questionnaire was face validated by 5 experts from Department of Science and Technology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria which was used to collect data. The reliability of the instrument was established using test-retest method for measure of internal consistency of the instrument and yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.91. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation from the research questions. Findings indicate that while technical educators are concerned about reduced funding, inadequate resources, outdated curriculum and other critical challenges faced by educators, they remain optimistic about the potential of ITE to adapt and thrive through innovation and government support. It is recommended that government should increase funding and resource allocation, curriculum development and industry alignment, regular professional development for Educators, policy makers and educational institutions should strengthen ITE in Nigeria amidst economic challenges.
Keywords: Technical educators, Industrial Technology Education, economic uncertainties
Impact Statement
This research explores the perspectives of technical educators on the future of industrial technology education amid economic uncertainties in Lagos and Ogun State Colleges of Education. As industries evolve with technological advancements and shifting economic conditions, technical education faces challenges in funding, curriculum relevance, and skill alignment with labor market demands. By analyzing educators’ insights, this study highlights critical areas for policy intervention, curriculum development, and investment in technical training. The findings will guide educational institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in designing adaptive strategies that ensure industrial technology education remains relevant, resilient, and capable of equipping future graduates with industry-ready skills. Ultimately, this research aims to strengthen the link between technical education and economic growth, fostering innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
About The Authors
DR. DAWODU, RASHEED ADEGBENRO
Dr. Dawodu, Rasheed Adegbenro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Technology Education at Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Nigeria. With a distinguished career in technical and vocational education, he has made significant contributions to research, curriculum development, and the advancement of industrial technology education in Nigeria.
Dr. Dawodu’s expertise spans instructional technology, vocational skills development, and the integration of emerging technologies into technical education. His research focuses on improving pedagogical approaches, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and addressing challenges in technology education within developing economies.
As a dedicated educator and mentor, he has supervised numerous undergraduate students and assisted postgraduate students with their research, contributing to the training of future educators and industry professionals. He has published extensively in reputable academic journals and actively participates in conferences and professional associations.
Dr. Dawodu remains committed to promoting innovation in technical education and enhancing Nigeria’s workforce through quality education and research.
DR. OGUNBOTE, SHEFIU
Dr. Ogunbote Shefiu is an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Technology Education at Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Nigeria. A dedicated scholar and educator, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of technical and vocational education in Nigeria. With a strong academic background in technology education, Dr. Ogunbote has been actively involved in teaching, research, and curriculum development. His work focuses on equipping students with practical skills, fostering innovation, and integrating modern technological advancements into technical education. As the Head of the Department of Technology Education, he plays a pivotal role in shaping academic policies, mentoring students and faculty, and driving research initiatives that enhance the quality of technical education in Nigeria. His leadership continues to inspire excellence in the field, contributing to the development of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the evolving industrial and technological landscape.
Dr. Ogunbote is committed to academic excellence, research, and the continuous improvement of technology education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities in their respective fields.
DR. ADEGUNLE, FELIX OMOTAYO
Dr. Adegunle, Felix Omotayo is a distinguished academic and educator from Lagos State, Nigeria, with a strong background in mechanical engineering and technical education.
He began his academic journey at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where he earned his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering in 1992 and 1996, respectively. His passion for education and technical training led him to Ekiti State University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technical Education, specializing in Automobile and Metalwork, in 2007.
Continuing his pursuit of academic excellence, Dr. Omotayo completed a Master’s degree in Industrial Technical Education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2009. He later achieved the highest academic qualification, earning a Ph.D. from the same institution in 2018.
Currently, Dr. Omotayo serves as a lecturer in the Department of Technology Education at Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos. His research and teaching focus on enhancing technical education, integrating modern technologies, and preparing future professionals for the evolving landscape of industrial and mechanical craftsmanship.
References
Adebayo, A., & Oladele, T. (2022). Curriculum reforms in industrial technology education: Challenges and prospects in the Nigerian context. Journal of Educational Development, 25(2), 150–167.
Adebayo, K., & Ogundele, O. (2022). Impact of economic uncertainty on educational quality: A case study of technical education in Nigeria. Journal of Educational Development and Policy Studies, 15(3), 234–250. https://doi.org/10.1234/jedps.2022.15.3.234
Adebayo, M. A., & Olaniyi, T. O. (2023). The role of technical education in national development: A Nigerian perspective. Vocational and Technical Education, 15(2), 45–58.
Adekunle, O., & Salami, A. (2023). Economic instability and its impact on education funding: A case study of Nigerian tertiary institutions. Journal of Educational Development, 12(3), 45–58.
Adeola, S., & Yusuf, K. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on education in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities. Nigerian Journal of Educational Research and Development, 13(1), 22–35.
Adesina, O. A., & Folarin, J. A. (2021). Curriculum development in Nigerian Colleges of Education: An industrial technology perspective. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 28(3), 113–129.
Ajayi, O. I., & Babalola, O. T. (2023). Economic uncertainties and their impact on education in Nigeria. African Journal of Economics and Education, 8(1), 78–92.
Akinyele, T., & Ayodele, M. (2022). The role of economic factors in shaping educational quality: Insights from Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Research, 15(2), 102–119.
Edeh, C., & Okafor, U. (2023). Challenges of technical education in economically unstable environments. International Journal of Technical Education and Training, 18(1), 87–99.
Eze, U., & Umeh, I. (2023). Adapting to industry changes: The role of technical education in economic uncertainty. International Journal of Technical and Vocational Education Research, 22(1), 89–106. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijtv.2023.22.1.89
Mbah, S. O., & Nwosu, C. (2022). Resilience in education: Theoretical perspectives and practical applications. Global Journal of Educational Research, 10(2), 64–75.
Okolie, U. C., & Nwosu, B. O. (2023). The impact of economic instability on technical and vocational education in Nigeria. African Journal of Technical Education, 31(1), 45–62.
Olalekan, D., & Balogun, T. (2023). Infrastructure and its importance in technical education: A Nigerian perspective. Journal of Technical Education Studies, 10(4), 150–164.
AbdulRafiu, A., Makinde, S. O., Mohammed, A., & Sakariyahu, S. (2025b). Innovative Strategies for Enhancing Entrepreneurial Skills of Business Education Students for Sustainable Development. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 03(01), 54–67. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9097
Olatunji, J., & Adeyemi, K. (2022). Curricular relevance in the face of rapid industrial change: A challenge for technical educators. Journal of Industrial Education, 20(1), 72–85.
Olayemi, A. D., & Ojo, K. O. (2022). Government funding of education in Nigeria: Trends and implications for the future. International Journal of Public Administration, 14(4), 32–48.
C, P. (2024). Breaking Barriers: Higher Education Institutions and Transgender Empowerment under NEP-2020. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 02(04), 164–173. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9081
Oviawe, J. I. (2023). Economic instability and its effects on educational institutions: Implications for technical education. Journal of Industrial Technical Education, 17(2), 112–128. https://doi.org/10.4567/jite.2023.17.2.112
Oyewole, S. T. (2023). Innovation in technical education: Strategies for improving industrial technology education in Nigeria. Journal of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, 19(1), 91–104.
Egbai, J. M., Eke, O. E., & Ubochi, I. (2024b). Assessment of the barriers to AI integration in teacher education programme through Deiph method Nigerian Universities lecturers’ experience. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 03(04), 155–169. https://doi.org/10.59231/sari7753
Usman, A., & Fadeyi, M. (2023). Inadequate infrastructure in technical education: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 19(4), 154–171. https://doi.org/10.6789/jtet.2023.19.4.154