Technical Education and Industrialization in Africa

Abstract

Schools in Africa have not given much attention to technical education. “Technical education is the kind of training that concerns a particular aspect of science, occupation or profession which has both theoretical and practical instructions that are given to those who are going to be employed in commerce and industry using tools and machinery for the operation, production, preservation and distribution of goods and services.” Unfortunately, this aspect of education has suffered neglect for many years. This could be the main reason Africa is still backward technologically. This paper attempts to examine the concept of technical education as a key to industrialization in Africa, the importance and role of technical education in African industrial advancement, and the challenges facing technical education in Africa. The paper has concluded that technical education takes the lead for industrialization in Africa because through it, youths and adults will be equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge needed for economic growth and development.