The Roles of Parents in Technical Education of Children in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the roles of parents in supporting the technical education of their children in Delta State, Nigeria. Parenting is the process of nurturing, guiding, and protecting children to ensure their holistic development into responsible adults. Technical education, in this context, prepares learners for skilled occupations such as artisanship, technical trades, or technician-level employment. Two research questions guided the study. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The population consisted of all parents whose children were enrolled in the seven technical colleges in Delta State. A sample of 350 parents (50 per school) were selected using Taro Yamane's formula. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled “Parents’ Roles in Technical Education of Their Children Instrument” (PRTECI). The instrument’s face validity was confirmed by three experts, and its reliability yielded a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.82. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that while parents provided emotional support and attended school events, they rarely monitored academic progress or collaborated with teachers. Major challenges identified included financial hardship, lack of awareness, and preference for conventional academic careers. The study concluded that insufficient parental involvement negatively affects students' technical education outcomes and social development. It recommended that parents be sensitized on the importance of technical education and encouraged to take an active role in their children’s career preparation.