Impact of TVET Policy on Skill Development Among Youth in Kogi State

This study evaluated the impact of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy on skill development among young people in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Following the Federal Government's TVET policy reforms of recent years, several states have been tasked with adapting national frameworks to local contexts, but implementation has been uneven. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, targeting 300 students and 60 teachers in six TVET institutions across three senatorial districts of Kogi State. Instruments included the TVET Policy Impact Scale and a skills proficiency test in selected trade areas. Findings indicated that policy awareness among teachers and students was low, with only 31 percent of teachers familiar with the current national TVET framework. Schools in rural areas reported weaker policy implementation than urban counterparts due to lower administrative capacity. Despite these challenges, students in schools with active policy implementation demonstrated measurably higher competency scores. The study recommends regular policy dissemination workshops, establishment of a state TVET monitoring unit, and inclusion of community stakeholders in policy implementation committees. The Kogi State Ministry of Education should also publish annual performance reports on TVET institutions to promote accountability. These findings contribute to the policy evaluation literature on vocational education governance in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: TVET policy, skill development, Kogi State, vocational education, policy implementation.