An evaluation of the impact of continuing education on skills acquisition among secondary school leavers in Katsina Local Government Area, Katsina State
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Background of the study
In today’s competitive job market, the acquisition of marketable skills has become indispensable for economic success and personal development. Continuing education programs have emerged as pivotal avenues for secondary school leavers to acquire and refine essential skills, particularly in regions where the transition from formal education to the workforce is fraught with challenges. In Katsina, continuing education initiatives aim to address the skill gaps faced by secondary school leavers by providing practical, career-oriented training designed to enhance employability. These programs are tailored to offer flexible learning schedules, modular courses, and hands-on training that focus on both technical and soft skills (Muhammad, 2023). In a context where formal education often leaves graduates inadequately prepared for the rapidly evolving demands of the modern workplace, continuing education acts as a bridge between academic knowledge and practical skills. Moreover, these initiatives are designed to foster lifelong learning and adaptability, qualities that are critical in today’s dynamic job market. Despite these promising attributes, secondary school leavers in Katsina face several obstacles that hinder effective skills acquisition. Many graduates are challenged by economic constraints, limited access to quality training facilities, and a lack of clear career guidance, which can result in underemployment or unemployment. The continuing education programs in Katsina, while innovative in their approach, are not immune to these challenges. Resource limitations, outdated curricula, and insufficient industry partnerships often curtail the effectiveness of these initiatives (Abdul, 2024). Furthermore, there exists a significant disparity between the skills taught in these programs and the actual demands of local and regional job markets. This discrepancy highlights the need for systematic evaluation to ascertain whether continuing education is effectively equipping secondary school leavers with the necessary skills for career success. By exploring the impact of these programs on skills acquisition, this study intends to provide comprehensive insights into the factors that promote or hinder effective training, thereby guiding improvements in educational strategies and policy formulation (Zainab, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although continuing education programs have been introduced to address the skill deficits among secondary school leavers in Katsina, there is growing concern over their actual impact on skills acquisition. Many young graduates find themselves ill-prepared to meet the expectations of modern employers, despite having completed additional training programs. One major problem is the misalignment between the curricula of continuing education programs and the dynamic needs of the labor market. Many programs remain theoretical, with insufficient emphasis on practical, hands-on experiences that are essential for skill mastery (Muhammad, 2023). Additionally, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited access to up-to-date technological tools, and a shortage of qualified instructors contribute to the inefficiency of these programs. Economic constraints and infrastructural deficits further exacerbate these issues, leaving a significant number of secondary school leavers with suboptimal skill sets. This mismatch not only affects individual employability but also has broader socio-economic implications, as a poorly skilled workforce can hinder regional development. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive evaluation mechanisms makes it difficult to identify and address the shortcomings in the program design and delivery. As a result, there remains an urgent need to critically examine the impact of continuing education on the actual skills acquisition of secondary school leavers in Katsina. This research aims to bridge the gap between program objectives and outcomes by providing evidence-based recommendations for curriculum improvements, enhanced industry collaborations, and better resource allocation. Without addressing these challenges, the potential of continuing education to transform the prospects of young graduates in Katsina will remain underutilized (Abdul, 2024; Zainab, 2025).
Objectives of the study
• To assess the impact of continuing education programs on the skills acquisition of secondary school leavers.
• To identify the gaps between training curricula and labor market demands.
• To propose strategies for aligning continuing education with industry requirements.
Research questions
• How effective are continuing education programs in enhancing the skills of secondary school leavers in Katsina?
• What are the main challenges hindering effective skills acquisition in these programs?
• What measures can be taken to better align the curricula with labor market needs?
Research Hypotheses
• H1: Participation in continuing education programs significantly improves skills acquisition among secondary school leavers.
• H2: There is a mismatch between the skills taught in continuing education programs and those demanded by employers.
• H3: Strengthening industry partnerships will lead to improved practical skills among program participants.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it evaluates the role of continuing education in enhancing the skills of secondary school leavers in Katsina. By identifying critical gaps between educational offerings and labor market needs, the research provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers to refine training programs. Improved skills acquisition will not only boost individual employability but also contribute to regional economic development by creating a more competent and competitive workforce (Muhammad, 2023; Zainab, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
This study is limited to evaluating the impact of continuing education on skills acquisition among secondary school leavers in Katsina Local Government Area. It focuses on program curricula, resource availability, and alignment with labor market requirements.
Definitions of terms
• Continuing Education: Programs offered to individuals after formal schooling aimed at skill enhancement.
• Skills Acquisition: The process of learning and developing abilities essential for employment.
• Secondary School Leavers: Individuals who have recently completed their secondary education.
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