Adequacy of Vocational and Technical Education Curriculum for Meeting Labour Market Demands in Niger State

This study appraises the adequacy of the vocational and technical education curriculum in meeting current labour market demands in Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Curriculum misalignment between educational institutions and industry needs has been identified as a major driver of youth unemployment in Nigeria. Despite several curriculum reviews, the vocational and technical education curriculum is frequently criticised for being outdated and disconnected from emerging industries such as renewable energy, digital fabrication, and agro-processing. A descriptive survey design is employed, with 150 graduates of technical colleges and polytechnics, 30 employers, and 25 curriculum coordinators drawn from Minna, Bida, and Kontagora local government areas. Three separate validated questionnaires are administered to each group. Data are analysed using frequency distributions, mean scores, and chi-square tests. Findings are expected to reveal a significant mismatch between graduate competencies and employer expectations, particularly in digital skills, communication, and entrepreneurial orientation. The study also identifies barriers to curriculum reform, including bureaucratic inertia, lack of industry input in curriculum development, and inadequate funding. Recommendations include the establishment of industry-education liaison committees, periodic curriculum review cycles tied to labour market surveys, and embedding entrepreneurship education across all vocational trade areas. This study contributes to national VTE curriculum reform dialogue and provides data-driven recommendations for Niger State Ministry of Education planners. Keywords: VTE curriculum, labour market, Niger State, curriculum adequacy, technical education