Assessment of Vocational Training Opportunities for Students with Hearing Impairment in Taraba State

This study assesses the availability and quality of vocational training opportunities for students with hearing impairment in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Vocational training is a critical pathway to economic independence for persons with disabilities, yet the provision of such training within Nigerian special education institutions has received limited scholarly attention, particularly in educationally underserved states such as Taraba. This study adopts a descriptive survey design, targeting administrators, vocational training instructors, and students with hearing impairment across government and faith-based special education institutions in Jalingo and surrounding areas. A structured questionnaire and an institutional audit checklist constitute the primary data collection instruments. Data are analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The study examines the range of vocational skills offered, equipment adequacy, instructor qualification in deaf education, linkage to employment or entrepreneurship support, and student satisfaction with available training. Findings are expected to reveal a narrow range of vocational options, predominantly tailored to traditional crafts and agriculture, with limited alignment to contemporary labour market demands. Recommendations include diversifying vocational curricula to include digital literacy and light manufacturing skills, establishing partnerships with the National Directorate of Employment, and developing sign language communication competence among vocational instructors. The study contributes to the evidence base for reforming vocational special education in North East Nigeria. Keywords: vocational training, hearing impairment, Taraba State, employment, special education.