VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FOR SELF-RELIANCE FOR UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES USING STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME AS INSTRUMENT

Abstract

The study examined Vocational Education for self-reliance for university undergraduates using students’ industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) as instrument. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 4,215 final-year undergraduate students from three public universities in Delta State all of whom had completed their SIWES training. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, resulting in a sample size of 366 respondents determined using the Taro Yamane formula at a 5% margin of error. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, with instrument reliability confirmed through Cronbach alpha coefficients of 0.70 or above. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to answer the research questions, while independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA tested the null hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that SIWES was generally effective in providing practical skills and vocational competencies for self-reliance; however, its role in fostering entrepreneurial readiness was constrained by systemic issues such as inadequate placement duration, underfunding, limited supervision, outdated equipment, and weak post-placement mentorship. No significant gender differences were found in SIWES’ effectiveness, and no significant institutional differences were observed regarding structural and operational challenges, indicating uniform systemic limitations across universities. The study concluded that while SIWES remains vital for skill development, reforms are necessary to enhance its entrepreneurial and employability outcomes. It recommended that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), National Universities Commission (NUC), and Delta State Ministry of Higher Education collaboratively implement targeted interventions, including compulsory entrepreneurship modules, improved supervision frameworks, and standardized operational guidelines across public universities.