Skill Acquisition Policy and Human Capital Development: Case of Federal Science and Technical College, Uromi, Edo State

Abstract

The study examines the relevance of skill acquisition to human capital development. The impact the skill acquisition policy has made on the target beneficiaries in particular and the society in general was critically assessed. How skill acquisition can bring about improvement in the wellbeing of individuals in societies was also brought to the front burner. Developmental state theory was used to buttress the study. The Federal Science and Technical College, Uromi, Edo State, was used as case study. Personal interview method was applied for the study. Relevant staffs such as the principal, coordinator, and technical teachers who head the technical sections in the College were interviewed. Findings show that the policy failed to make meaningful impact on the target beneficiaries due to poor implementation of the policy. The reasons responsible for the poor implementation were identified. For example, there was total lack of equipment for practical training and teaching in most of the departments/units; those available were totally outdated and inadequate while practical sessions were conducted only once a week and mere two hours were devoted to practical sessions. Some recommendations were put forward such as the need for government to equip the workshops with necessary tools and equipment; and the need to devote at least three days, instead of two hours a week, for practical sessions, and technical teachers or principals should head technical colleges.