| The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of students, teachers, principals and employers of graduates, toward the status of technical and vocational education (TVE) programs in Imo State, Nigeria comprehensive secondary schools, and to identify why there was a shortage of adequately trained manpower. By the structure of the schools, they were expected to bridge the gap between academic and technical/vocational subjects.;Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS). The analyses and descriptions were expressed as percentages, decimals and frequencies, and interpreted.;Data were collected from 20 comprehensive secondary schools in Imo State, selected via stratified random sampling. From the sample schools, 591 final year students registered in TVE subjects completed the student questionnaire. Fifty-nine TVE teachers completed the teacher questionnaire. Principals of the twenty schools were interviewed. Sixty-five employers in different professions, randomly selected across the state, participated in the employer interview.;The study determined that the schools lacked teachers, facilities and equipment. There were no program enhancement services such as guidance and counseling, job placement, cooperative work experience and library. Students had limited access to practical activities. These factors contributed to the inadequacy student preparation. These schools were not considered as institutions which trained students for employment after graduation. Students attended comprehensive secondary schools to prepare themselves for further study in professional fields, which would earn more respect in the society.;The questionnaire and interview items examined the following major areas: (1) student, teacher, principal and employer demographic information, (2) the objectives of TVE as perceived by the samples, (3) teacher qualifications and experience, (4) instructional methods, (5) program enhancement services, (6) facilities and equipment, (7) perceptions about student pre-employment skills, (8) employment search skills, (9) job performance skills, (10) graduates' performance, (11) causes of shortage of adequately trained manpower, and (12) program strengths and weaknesses.;The findings of this study brought to focus the current status of Imo State comprehensive secondary schools. Recommendations were made to help the government address the concerns identified. |
