Skill Acquisition

The study employs a descriptive survey research design, with a population of 141 students from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 71 respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, validated by experts, and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.73. The analysis was conducted using mean and standard deviation, with a threshold of 2.5 for acceptance of responses. The findings highlight that digital tools, field-based activities, technology integration, and hands-on laboratory and farm practices significantly enhance student engagement, cognitive development, and skill acquisition. Despite these benefits, challenges such as technological adaptation difficulties, limited real-world application, and inadequate infrastructure hinder the full adoption of innovative methods. To address these barriers, the study recommends collaborations with agribusinesses, improved access to modern equipment, training workshops for educators, and diversified instructional methods. This research underscores the necessity of transforming agricultural education through experiential learning to produce graduates equipped for the evolving demands of the agricultural sector. The findings provide a foundation for curriculum development, policy adjustments and institutional reforms aimed at fostering an interactive and practical learning environment in agricultural science and education

This study examines the impact of Federal Government programmes on youth empowerment in Nigeria, with particular focus on the Niger Delta region. Youth empowerment remains a critical strategy for addressing unemployment, poverty, restiveness, and socio-economic instability in Nigeria. Over the years, the Federal Government has introduced several intervention programmes such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), and N-Power, aimed at improving youth skills acquisition, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship development, and economic inclusion. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, utilizing both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected youths in the Niger Delta, while secondary data were obtained from government publications, journals, and policy documents. The findings reveal that although Federal Government programmes have contributed to skill acquisition, job creation, and improved livelihood for some beneficiaries, challenges such as inadequate funding, corruption, poor implementation strategies, political interference, and limited accessibility have significantly reduced their overall effectiveness. The study concludes that while Federal Government youth empowerment initiatives have made measurable impacts in the Niger Delta, their potential has not been fully realized. It recommends improved transparency, proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, increased funding, community participation, and policy continuity to enhance programme effectiveness and ensure sustainable youth empowerment in the region.