EVALUATION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN REFORMATORY INSTITUTIONS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Abstract
Vocational Training Programmes have been in existence in Reformatory institutions in Northern Nigeria for atleast three decades. However, evidences abound to show that the programmes are in disorder due to absence of authentic data for decision making. For instance, data on master list of existing trades in the reformatory institutions is not available, again tangible data that could be used to take decision on the implementation on the adequacy of qualified vocational instructors, facilities, curriculum content are lacking. Data on how governments/non-governmental organizations do contribute to the funding of the reformatory institutions is absent. The paucity of these data signifies lack of evaluation. The purpose of this study therefore, was to evaluate vocational training programmes in reformatory institutions in Northern Nigeria. To conduct the study, six research questions and hypothesis were formulated. Evaluation research design was adopted for the study. Population for the study was 254. Observational checklist and questionnaire were the instruments used to collect data pertinent to the study. Frequencies, percentages and mean (X) were used to answer the six research questions. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to answer the hypothesis at .05 level of significance while Scheffe’s test was used to locate the source of difference in respect of the hypothesis tested. The study revealed among other things that, out of 15 trades presented for analysis, 12 were available in the reformatory institutions and only three trades were commonly available. The study further revealed that, only two out of 23 vocational instructors had teaching qualifications. On adequacy of facilities, the study revealed that out 445 facilities, only 17 (3.8%) were found adequate across trades in the reformatories. Furthermore, the study indicated that curriculum of the vocational programmes were completely not adequate. On the extent of contribution to the funding of the reformatory institutions, the study indicated that only federal and state governments made great contributions. Lastly, the study showed that 15 out of 16 factors were strategies that would improve vocational training in the reformatory institutions. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were proffered.