Skill Gaps in Food and Nutrition Education Among Technical College Graduates in Nassarawa State

This study identifies skill gaps in food and nutrition education among graduates of technical colleges in Nassarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Food and nutrition education is a vital component of home economics within the vocational and technical education framework, equipping graduates for employment in catering, food processing, nutritional counselling, and household management. Despite curriculum provisions, graduates frequently lack competencies demanded by employers in the food industry. The study employs a descriptive survey design, targeting 100 graduates employed in food-related industries, 40 technical college food and nutrition teachers, and 30 food industry employers in Lafia, Keffi, and Akwanga local government areas. Three validated questionnaires capture employer expectations, graduate self-assessment, and teacher delivery quality. Frequency distributions and mean scores are used for analysis. Findings are expected to reveal significant deficiencies in food safety standards, nutritional assessment skills, and kitchen technology operation. The study also examines whether the gap is more pronounced among graduates of rural as opposed to urban technical colleges. Recommendations include curriculum updates incorporating food industry standards, partnerships with food processing companies for practical exposure, and mandatory graduate competency assessments at the point of college exit. The study contributes to curriculum relevance research in home economics vocational education and provides actionable data for Nassarawa State education officials and technical college administrators. Keywords: skill gaps, food and nutrition education, technical college graduates, Nassarawa State, vocational education