African states emphasise technical, vocational training in schools

Education cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i (left) and Commonwealth Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa secretary general Olubunmi Owoso arrive for the official opening the meeting for technical universities in Mombasa on June 7, 2016. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • These agreements were made at the close of a three-day Commonwealth Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA) forum at Pride Inn resort in Mombasa on Thursday.
  • They also agreed to participate in environmental sustainability by training staff and students in waste management and to mainstream women in technical education and development agenda.
  • Participants said at the conference that corruption, which affects many African countries, has hindered growth of industries as resources are squandered by corrupt leaders.

African countries have resolved to make technical and vocational training mainstream in their education systems.

The African states have also agreed to popularise the system to attract high student enrolment.

They have also committed to develop competency based curriculum for technical courses that will enhance industrial training.

These agreements were made at the close of a three-day Commonwealth Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA) forum at Pride Inn resort in Mombasa on Thursday.

They further agreed, to adopt innovative policies that will strengthen small and medium enterprises and promote career guidance and mentorship to graduates.

“There is need to strengthen apprenticeship, mentorship and business incubation for successful small and medium enterprise development,” said Technical University of Mombasa acting vice-chancellor Laila Abubakar who read the recommendations.

Prof Abubakar urged institutes to establish industries to support technical training students in research, creativity and promoting innovations.

CAPA member states also resolved to establish regulatory and accreditation bodies to assess, certify and register institutions as well as trainers to ensure quality is maintained during training.

They also agreed to participate in environmental sustainability by training staff and students in waste management and to mainstream women in technical education and development agenda.

Businessman and Technical University of Kenya Chancellor Manu Chandaria, who closed the conference, said four million youths in Kenya are without jobs, a problem that can be easily solved through skilled training.

“How is it that other countries are able to create 20,000 jobs for the youths through industries yet Africa is still lagging behind?” he wondered.

“Our problem is that we have not created systems that can keep all our youth working or an economy that can produce employment,” he added as he urged the leaders to push their governments to support technical training.

Participants said at the conference that corruption, which affects many African countries, has hindered growth of industries as resources are squandered by corrupt leaders.

They said there is need for the establishment of an endowment fund and competitive scholarships for technical students.

This year’s conference theme was strategic involvement of TVET institutions towards the attainment of post 2015 Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.