an argumentative essay to support the motion that says technical and vocational education should be mandatory in secondary school in 450 words from my school app?

jesusson123

3 weeks ago

That question was in this year wace essay questions.

FreshTheo

3 weeks ago

Motion: Technical and Vocational Education Should Be Made Mandatory in Secondary Schools

Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, equips students with practical skills for work, self-reliance, and national development. Making it mandatory in secondary schools is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.

*First, it addresses unemployment and youth idleness.* Nigeria graduates thousands of students yearly with only WAEC certificates and no employable skill. Many end up jobless because the white-collar jobs they expect are scarce. If every secondary school leaver can weld, sew, code, do electrical work, or handle catering, they won’t wait endlessly for government jobs. They can start small businesses immediately. Countries like Germany and China made TVET compulsory, and today their youth unemployment rates are far lower than ours. Skills pay bills faster than degrees without skills.

*Second, TVET matches Nigeria’s economic needs.* Our economy depends on artisans, technicians, builders, farmers, and technicians to maintain infrastructure. Yet most of these jobs are done by foreigners or untrained people because our schools produce only “grammar” students. A mandatory TVET policy means every student graduates with at least one trade skill. This will reduce dependence on foreign labor, improve the quality of work in Nigeria, and boost local industries. When a student can fix solar panels or repair cars by SS3, they’re already contributing to GDP.

*Third, it gives students multiple paths to success.* Not every student is wired for pure academics. Forcing all students through only English, Math, and sciences makes many feel like failures. TVET validates hands-on intelligence. A student who struggles with physics formulas may excel at carpentry or fashion design. Making TVET compulsory ensures no child is labeled “dull” just because they’re not bookish. It builds confidence, dignity of labor, and reduces dropout rates.

*Critics argue that it will reduce focus on academics and overburden students.* This is not true if done right. TVET doesn’t replace core subjects — it complements them. Just 2-3 periods per week from JSS1 to SS3 is enough to teach basic, certifiable skills. The goal is “skill + certificate”, not “skill instead of certificate”. With proper funding and trained instructors, students can balance both.

In conclusion, making technical and vocational education mandatory in secondary schools is an investment in our future. It will reduce unemployment, meet national development needs, and give every child a chance to succeed with or without university. The 21st century rewards skills more than paper qualifications. Nigeria must act now, or we’ll keep producing graduates who are educated but unemployable.