Strategic Public-Private Partnership as Catalyst for Quality Reforms in Vocational and Technical Education Training in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs) as catalysts for quality reforms in Vocational and Technical Education Training (VTET) in Nigeria.  A descriptive survey design was employed for the study. Three research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study population comprised 1200 PPPs’ trainees drawn from centres across the South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria. A multiple-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 200 participants (120males and 80females). A structured questionnaire graded on a four-point rating scale of SA, A, D, and SD was used for data collection. This was validated by three research experts, and the reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha. It yielded a coefficient of 0.76. The research questions were answered using Mean and Standard Deviation, while an independent-samples t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 alpha level. Findings revealed that proper implementation of PPPs brings about quality reforms in VTET programmes.  Barriers of Policy fragmentation, infrastructural deficiency, inadequate training of instructors, curriculum gap, among others, were revealed as obstacles to the effective implementation of PPPs. On this note, the following recommendations were made: PPPs policy specification, curriculum co-design, constant evaluation of the implementation process, optimal capacity building, adequate funding, among others.