ASSESSMENT OF GRADUATES OF NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF EMPLOYMENT SKILLS ACQUISITION CENTRES IN ONDO STATE,NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed the Occupational Engagement of the Graduates of National Directorate of Employment/Millennium Development Goals/Skills Acquisition Centres (NDE/MDG/SAC) in Ondo State. These centres are located in Akure, Ilu-titun and Ogbagi Akoko. It also assessed the graduates’ Acquired Skills and Competences (ASC) as well as their relevance in the labour market. The relationship between the ASC and the Income Level (IL) of the graduates were further investigated. This was done with a view to gather information on the NDE/MDG/SAC project for improvement on implementation. Quantitative survey research design was adopted using structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The questionnaires were administered to 311 respondents from a population of 1403 graduates. Access to respondents’ information was granted by the NDE that enhances their location. The descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used for data analysis. Investigation shows that 80% of the respondents were occupational engaged in the vocation they enrolled for, while 10% were still idle. In addition, the graduates’ ASC in the labour market positively impacted on their Income Level (IL). Results revealed that there is statistically significant relationship between graduates’ ASC and IL. Pearson correlation coefficient gives the degree of relationship between the two variables as r = 0.333, p = 0.000 which is less than 0.0l (p<0.01). Further result using regression analysis indicated that income had positive effect on Acquired Skills and Competencies of the graduates. The Centres were said to suffer many setbacks such as timely execution of programme, fund, publicity, and personnel. Hence the effectiveness and prominences of the scheme were hindered. It was suggested that regular Graduate Tracer Study be conducted at regular time interval. The study therefore formed a compendium of information for researchers and stakeholders in Vocational and Training Education.