Repositioning universal basic education (UBE) in Nigeria through quality technical vocational education and training (TVET) for sustainable development

Nigerians have steadfastly held believe that education is the fortification against poverty and social unrest and that schools have a central role in equipping young people with the skills and attitudes they need to sustain future economic and social development. Thus, Federal Government introduced Universal Basic Education scheme [UBE] to cater for the educational needs of young students and pupils in the first nine years of school age but the aim and objectives of establishing basic education is yet to be achieved. This paper examines the concept of universal basic education and its importance as well as technical vocational education and training [TVET] and sustainable development and also the problems inhibiting the development of UBE, role of TVET in repositioning UBE, how to reposition UBE, for Sustainable National Development and steps towards proper repositioning of UBE. The paper concluded by saying that education is the pivot around which other spheres of Nigeria economy revolves and that unfortunately, education in Nigeria has suffered unpardonable and unforgivable neglect over the decades with Universal Basic education having more than its fair share of the deplorable phenomenon. The paper recommended among others that the Government should increase funding of Universal Basic Education to enable it produce students that are self-reliant in this competitive economy and that students centered teaching/learning exercise need to be used to encourage active participation of the students in Universal Basic Education.

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