Professionalisation of Technical and Vocational Education Workforce in North Central Nigeria

This study examines efforts towards the professionalisation of the technical and vocational education workforce in North Central Nigeria, covering states including Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau. Professionalisation, encompassing formal credentialling, ethical standards, professional associations, and continuous professional development, is widely regarded as essential for elevating the quality and status of vocational teaching as a career. Despite the existence of professional bodies such as the Technical and Vocational Education Association of Nigeria, adherence to professionalisation standards among vocational teachers remains inconsistent. A descriptive survey design is employed, drawing 200 technical and vocational education teachers and administrators from polytechnics and technical colleges across the six states. A validated professionalisation index questionnaire measures qualification levels, professional body membership, participation in continuous development, and adherence to ethical standards. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis are used. Findings are expected to reveal uneven professionalisation levels, with qualification inflation occurring in some areas alongside significant gaps in ethical standard compliance and professional body engagement. The study also examines institutional factors that support or undermine teacher professionalisation. Recommendations include mandatory professional certification for all vocational teachers, institutional incentives for professional body membership, and regional professional development networks. This study contributes to vocational workforce development research in North Central Nigeria and provides a foundation for building a more professionalised and effective technical education workforce. Keywords: professionalisation, VTE workforce, North Central Nigeria, technical teachers, professional development