Conference Paper

IMPACT OF DIGITAL TVET ON INFORMAL SECTOR GROWTH IN NIGERIA

Abstract Nigeria’s informal sector is a vital component of its economy, contributing approximately 57.4% of GDP ($1,442 billion at GDP PPP) and employing 92.3% of the workforce. Despite its significance, the sector faces challenges such as low productivity and limited access to modern business technologies. This study examines the impact of Digital Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on skill acquisition, productivity, and income levels in Nigeria’s informal sector. Using a cross-sectional survey of 386 participants in Ado-Odo Ota local Government area, Ogun state Nigeria, data were analysed through regression analysis. The results indicate a strong positive relationship (R = 0.785) between Digital TVET adoption and key predictors (skill acquisition, informal sector performance, and income levels) explaining 61.6% of the variation (R² = 0.616, p = 0.000). Informal sector performance (B = 0.537, p = 0.000) had the most substantial effect, followed by skill acquisition (B = 0.412, p = 0.000) and income levels (B = 0.318, p = 0.000). The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including digital skills training, improved financial access, and enhanced infrastructure to drive sustainable economic growth. Policies that support business formalization, microcredit access, and digital inclusion are essential for enhancing productivity and resilience in Nigeria’s informal economy. Key words: Digital Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Income levels, Informal sector, Productivity, Skill acquisition.