Formal Education and Skills Acquisition Amongst Students in University of Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between formal education and skill acquisition amongst University of Benin (UNIBEN) students. Specifically, the study aimed at finding out if UNIBEN students commercialize vocational skills and the ability to balance it with their academics. The functional theory was used to explain the importance of combining both formal education and vocational skills acquisition. Using the survey research design, 155 respondents who are involved in skills acquisition, were selected from the two main hostels, Akanu Ibiam hall (male hostel) and Tinubu hall (female hostel) within the UNIBEN campus, participated in the study. The systematic and simple random sampling techniques were used in reaching out to the respondents for the gathering of the quantitative data with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire. The study found out that most UNIBEN students with skills, commercialized their skills and this did not affect their academics as they mostly carried out such job functions after classes, weekends and holidays. More so, commercializing their acquired vocational skills such as hair dressing, sewing, phone repairs and make-up artistry empowered them financially. It is therefore recommended that seminars, symposiums and conferences should be organized to further stimulate student’s interests in vocational skill acquisition as well as educate them on how to balance academic work and the commercialization of their skills.