Leveraging Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Technical and Vocational Education and Training for Sustainable Skills and Economic Development in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pedagogy in Lagos State, addressing the persistent skills mismatch that has left over 40% of Nigerian youth unemployed while critical sectors face severe skilled personnel shortages. On the basis of systematic desk review of academic literature, policy documents, and industry reports published between 2015 and 2026, the study identifies five key AI technologies applicable to TVET including adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, virtual/augmented reality, AI chatbots, and predictive analytics. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and Sen's Capability Approach, the study analyzes adoption barriers including unreliable infrastructure, severe shortages of AI-competent instructors, outdated curricula, inadequate funding, and policy fragmentation. The paper presents a conceptual framework linking AI-enhanced TVET to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, with specific indicators calibrated for Lagos State's industrial ecosystem. Findings indicate that AI can optimize curriculum design through real-time labor market data, provide scalable hands-on training through simulation, and deliver personalized feedback to learners. The study proposes actionable recommendations for digital infrastructure, teacher up-skilling programs, localized AI content development, and ethical data governance frameworks. The study contributes to the literature on digital transformation in education through the development of a context-sensitive framework for the integration of AI integration in Nigerian TVET, with implications for other federating Nigerian states and developing economies facing similar skills challenges.