Bridging the Gap between Informal Apprenticeship and Formal Technical Education for Curriculum Integration in Nigeria

Nigeria faces persistent gaps between formal curriculum frameworks and the skills acquired through informal apprenticeship systems. Informal apprenticeship remains a major source of practical skill development in trades such as mechanics, welding, electrical installation, and carpentry, yet it operates largely outside formal TVET structures, limiting opportunities for certification and labour mobility.
This study examines pedagogical practices within informal apprenticeship systems and maps their competencies against formal TVET curriculum standards, with the aim of developing a Hybrid Curriculum Integration Framework suitable for Nigeria. A mixed-method explanatory design was adopted, with data collected from 60 master craftsmen, 120 apprentices, 30 TVET instructors, and 10 National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) curriculum officials across three purposively selected states. Data collection instruments included semi-structured interviews, structured questionnaires, document analysis, and competency mapping matrices. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics and competency alignment indices.
Findings reveal substantial overlap in practical competencies such as tool handling, safety procedures, and task execution, alongside significant divergence in theoretical knowledge, assessment practices, and documentation standards. Key barriers to integration include limited policy support, inadequate recognition of informal skills, and weak collaboration between TVET institutions and master craftsmen.
Based on these findings, the study proposes a Hybrid Curriculum Integration Framework incorporating Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), modular competency alignment, co-certification mechanisms, and structured industry engagement. The framework provides a practical pathway for harmonizing informal and formal skill acquisition systems, enhancing employability outcomes, and strengthening policy coherence within Nigeria’s TVET sector.