INDUSTRIAL PATERNALISM AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Industrial paternalism has been a significant factor influencing the development of Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) in Benue State. This study examined the impact, challenges and strategies of industrial paternalism on VTE using a population of 431 (97 academics and 334 non-academics) VTE graduates registered with Technical Education Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TEPAN). Krejcie and Morgan table was used to arrive at a sample size of 205 respondents. A stratified sampling technique was employed to ensure a representation across different groups. A researcher developed 15 item questionnaire was validated, subjected to reliability testing using the Cronbach’s Alpha reliability technique which yielded a reliability index of 0.87. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions while Inferential T-test was used to test the null hypotheses. The study revealed that industrial paternalism significantly impacts on VTE development in Benue State. The study recommended that: Government should review/update policies and increase funding that reflects current labour market demands and encourage industrial paternalism in Benue State, government and relevant stakeholders should adopt incentives and public awareness campaigns to improve paternalistic policies through tax breaks and government support and government at all levels should enhance collaboration between industries and educational institutions.