AVTEN Conference Advocates Work-Integrated Learning as Pathway to Entrepreneurial Growth and SDG 4 Attainment
The Association of Vocational and Technical Educators of Nigeria (AVTEN), on Tuesday, June 3, 2026, held its 33rd International Conference at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with the theme: “Enhancing Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition Through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in TVET for the Attainment of SDG 4 in Nigeria.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Patrick Egbule, welcomed participants attending both physically and virtually, noting that the conference was deliberately organised in a hybrid format to accommodate a broader audience. He expressed optimism that the programme would offer participants a rewarding and impactful experience, encouraging them to actively engage, network, listen attentively, and build lasting professional relationships beyond the conference.
Prof. Egbule also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for his support and for providing the enabling environment that facilitated the successful hosting of the conference.
Delivering her welcome address, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairperson, Dr. Jacinta I. Obidile, warmly received participants and expressed gratitude to all who made time to attend the conference. She particularly appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his fatherly support and for approving the association’s requests, which contributed immensely to the success of the event.
Dr. Obidile acknowledged the presence of the Vice-Chancellor of Shanahan University, Onitsha, Prof. Josephat Obi Oguejiofor, and described the conference as a remarkable gathering designed to honour distinguished individuals for their mentorship, contributions, and support towards the advancement of education and society. She expressed optimism that the relationships established during the conference would transcend the event and foster greater collaboration in the future.
Speaking on the conference theme, Dr. Obidile explained that discussions would focus on bridging the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world workplace experiences in order to equip learners with relevant entrepreneurial and vocational competencies.
In his address, the National President of AVTEN, Prof. Effiong Asuquo, thanked God for the successful gathering of participants despite prevailing security challenges in the country. He stated that the conference theme was carefully selected to stimulate intellectual discourse and generate practical solutions for strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria.
Prof. Asuquo expressed profound appreciation to the Chief Host and Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for graciously approving the hosting of the conference and for the immense support extended to the association throughout the planning process. He also appreciated the keynote speaker, Prof. Joy A. Okeke-Ezeanyanwu, and the lead paper presenter, Dr. Samson Chuwkuedo, for accepting to share their wealth of knowledge and expertise with participants.
Commenting on the award recipients, Prof. Asuquo described them as individuals of impeccable character and outstanding accomplishments in their various fields, adding that the recognition would further encourage them to continue making meaningful contributions to society. He welcomed participants who travelled from different parts of the country and wished them a fruitful conference experience.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Hilda Osisioma, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, formally welcomed AVTEN and all conference participants to the University.
The Vice-Chancellor described the conference theme as timely and highly relevant, particularly in an era characterised by rising unemployment and increasing demand for practical, entrepreneurial, and industry-relevant skills. He observed that the traditional expectation of securing white-collar employment after graduation is rapidly changing, thereby making vocational and technical education more critical than ever.
Prof. Anyaehie emphasised that Work-Integrated Learning provides a strategic platform for connecting classroom knowledge with workplace realities, thereby equipping learners with competencies necessary for self-reliance, innovation, and sustainable economic development. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and partnerships that enhance graduate employability and contribute to national development.
He further commended AVTEN for its sustained efforts towards advancing vocational and technical education in Nigeria and wished participants productive deliberations.
Delivering the keynote address titled, “Transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Nigeria (TVET): Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) for Entrepreneurial Growth and SDG 4 Achievement,” Prof. Joy A. Okeke-Ezeanyanwu highlighted the growing challenge of unemployment among graduates, attributing it largely to the mismatch between educational outcomes and industry expectations.
She explained that TVET serves as a vital educational framework that promotes self-reliance, job creation, poverty reduction, industrial growth, and technological development while equipping learners with employable and entrepreneurial skills. According to her, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is an educational approach that intentionally combines academic learning with practical workplace experiences through industrial training, internships, apprenticeships, cooperative education, and service-learning programmes.
Prof. Okeke-Ezeanyanwu further noted that while TVET develops skills, entrepreneurial growth transforms those skills and ideas into sustainable ventures capable of creating jobs, generating income, and adding value to society. She identified major challenges confronting the implementation of WIL in Nigeria including outdated curricula, inadequate funding, weak industry partnerships, insufficient training facilities, and societal stigma that often portrays vocational education as inferior to conventional academic pathways.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of a Leadership Award to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and support for educational development.
Other award recipients included the Vice-Chancellor of Shanahan University, Onitsha, Prof. Josephat Obi Oguejiofor; Chief Anthony Chukwunwike Ikpeama; Chief Ferdinand Ukeje-Ughelu, CEO of CMF Furniture & Interiors Ltd; HRH Ugoeze (Lady) Chigbo Chizoba Nwamara-Ogbonna, CEO of Off-the-Hook Foundation; Arc. Emeka Ihuoma, CEO of EMSA Consults Ltd and Smart View Homes Ltd; Mr. Emeka Chimezie Anowai; and Chief Osita F. Ugeh, CEO of Duke Concept.
Also present at the event were the Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, Prof. Comfort C. Okolocha; the National Secretary of AVTEN, Prof. Joseph Ukah Ndem; members of staff; and students of the University.