Coping with the Challenges of Over-Schooling among Nigerian Youth Through Technical Vocational Education and Training

Abstract

Nigeria has experienced remarkable expansion in formal education access over the past four decades. Despite this achievement, growing number of graduates face unemployment, underemployment, and job mismatch, a phenomenon known as over-schooling. This occurs when individuals hold qualifications exceeding job requirements or when the labour market fails to appropriately absorb highly educated workers. The consequences include youth unemployment, declining productivity, poverty, social frustration, brain drain, and excessive dependence on government employment. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) offers a practical strategy to address these challenges by equipping young people with employable skills, entrepreneurial competencies, and industry-relevant knowledge that foster self-reliance and economic growth. This paper examines over-schooling, reviews relevant theoretical perspectives, discusses associated challenges among Nigerian youth, and explores TVET as an intervention strategy. The paper suggested that strengthening TVET through improved funding, curriculum modernisation, industry partnerships, policy implementation, and public reorientation can significantly reduce graduate unemployment and promote sustainable youth empowerment in Nigeria