Industry 4.0 and Youth Empowerment: A TVET Framework for Fostering Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation in Nigeria

Henry Diko Koce ()
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Henry Diko Koce: The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Department of Marketing

A chapter in Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Business and Entrepreneurship (ICSBE 2025), 2025, pp 278-291 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The advent of Industry 4.0 has redefined global economic systems, demanding a workforce skilled in digital, technical, and entrepreneurial competencies. In Nigeria—where over 60% of the population is under 25—Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains pivotal to youth empowerment. Despite NBTE reforms promoting “skills over qualifications,” challenges persist, including weak industry linkages, outdated curricula, and inadequate funding. This study assesses the effectiveness of Nigeria’s TVET system in fostering youth empowerment, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship within the Industry 4.0 framework. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with data collected from 384 respondents comprising TVET students, instructors, and industry stakeholders. Data were analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistics, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.827 (82.7%). The study recorded strong support for digital integration (M = 3.86) and instructor capacity building (M = 3.57), but moderate perceptions of industry collaboration (M = 2.93) and limited access to finance and mentorship (M = 3.49). Policy and institutional alignment scored lowest (M = 2.94), revealing systemic gaps. Nigeria’s TVET system shows potential but requires stronger industry ties, modernized curricula, and enhanced instructor development to meet Industry 4.0 demands. Strengthen public-private partnerships, update digital curricula, provide structured funding and mentorship programs, and ensure effective policy implementation to promote sustainable youth employability and entrepreneurship.

Keywords: TVET; Industry 4.0; Digital Skills; Youth Empowerment; Entrepreneurship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:advbcp:978-94-6463-930-8_20

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DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6463-930-8_20

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