Stakeholders’ perceptions of digital skills and ai for employability and career engagement in technical colleges in lagos state, Nigeria

Technical colleges are key to helping students gain the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s world of work. As training and workplaces become more digitally driven, technical teachers also need to stay up to date by building modern digital skills that help learners not only use technology confidently but also create with it. This study examines how digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI) can improve technical college students’ career involvement and employability, with wider benefits for economic growth and development. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and involved 105 technical college administrators and employers from the organised private sector (OPS). Data were collected using a validated questionnaire rated on a five-point Likert scale, and analysed in SPSS using mean scores and standard deviations. Findings revealed that both administrators and OPS employers were highly satisfied with the digital skills identified, and they agreed that these skills are essential for preparing technical college graduates for career success and employment. Based on these results, the study recommends increased and targeted funding to help institutions and students access the digital tools needed for hands-on training. It also suggests integrating AI-based learning platforms that can personalise instruction, detect students’ skill gaps, and provide tailored support and resources that strengthen employability in an evolving economy.