International Journal for Tourism and Technology (IJTT)
This study examined the impact of instructional facility adequacy in vocational and technical education (VTE) within vocational institutions in Bayelsa State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a population comprising 75 lecturers and 40 instructors, totaling 115 respondents. Two research questions were addressed, and two null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 significance level. Mean analysis was used to answer the research questions, while a t-test statistic was applied to test the hypotheses. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire containing 39 items. The study focused on vocational and technical education programs in colleges of education in the South-South region of Nigeria. Findings revealed that these institutions lack essential instructional facilities, including hand tools, portable power tools, relevant textbooks, and machines. Additionally, effective teaching methods and techniques-such as project-based learning, discussions, feedback mechanisms, and student reinforcement—should be emphasized to enhance learning outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends incorporating various instructional strategies and addressing management and social factors to improve the effectiveness of VTE teaching and learning.
The impact of technological advancement and the subsequent emphasis on vocational and technical education in Nigeria led to the establishment of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), vocational institutions, Federal Colleges of Education (Technical), and Technical Education Departments in Nigerian tertiary institutions. These institutions are under the control of the NBTE and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The aims and objectives of the NCCE and vocational and technical education in the Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) program are geared toward producing qualified vocational and technical teachers, as well as practitioners capable of teaching technical subjects in secondary schools and technical colleges, while inculcating scientific and technological attitudes in the lives of citizens (Poripo, 2023). The quality of education and vocational training provided to youths depends greatly on the ability of institutions to adjust their educational content to the changing skill requirements of the nation. Institutional training should aim to equip students with useful skills and improve their knowledge and capabilities in their chosen fields (Umunadi, 2001). Vocational and technical education is one of the courses taught in colleges of education (Technical) and Technical Education Departments in some colleges of education. These institutions provide training for skilled workers and technical teachers to have general knowledge of vocational and technical occupation areas while specializing in one area. The vocational and technical areas available in these colleges of education include Agricultural Science Education, Business Education, Computer Science Education, Home Economics Education, and Industrial Technical Education (Okoro, 2004).
Instructional facilities, vocational and technical education (VTE), instructional facility