From Printers to Visual Media Specialists: Digitalization and the Employability of Printing Technology Graduates in Nigeria
1Abdulrasheed A. Afolabi & 2Olaseni T. Sorunke
1Department of Printing Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria. Email: rasheed.afolabi@yabatech.edu.ng
2Department of Graphic Design, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria. Email: olaseni.sorunke@yabatech.edu.ng
Abstract
Poverty is intrinsically linked to insecurity. Evidence suggests that unemployment-driven poverty holds sway in Nigeria, with attendant socio-economic consequences. At the root of the growing unemployment in Nigeria is the emergence of digitalization in industries, which is changing the world of work in no small measure. This study examines technology-induced unemployment in relation to printing technology careers in Nigeria. The issues under focus are; i) the extent the ND & HND printing technology programmes in Nigerian polytechnics enhance the employability of printing technology graduates in a changing world of work, ii) the link between labour market needs in the media industry and the contents of training of printing technology programmes in Nigeria. Data for analysis and discussion are generated through content analysis of relevant documents. Analysed data reveal employment opportunities for printing technology graduates in visual media and communications, provided they are empowered with the right set of skills required in a changing world of work. Recommendations given to improve the employability of graduates of printing technology programmes in Nigeria include: the inclusion of courses in information and communication technology in printing technology curriculum, and increasing the number of courses in visual media taught in the programmes, especially at the HND level. Lastly, the introduction of social psychology and human development to inculcate personal attribute skills in printing technology students is suggested.
Keywords
Poverty, Insecurity, Digitalization, Employability, Printing Technology
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