This paper reviews the current status of vocational and technical education programmes (VTE) in Nigeria and the major innovations of the Nigerian Government in the recent times in the sector vis-a-vis the demands of the modern world for vocational and technological development. It therefore, proposes a paradigm shift in the operation of VTE programmes in institutions of learning in Nigeria for improved efficiency through the application of The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis which has been an effective and useful tool for decision making in several organizations in recent times. In the context of this paper, SWOT is presented for use as a decision-making strategy as new vocational and technical education programme is planned. An insight into the wide range of the potential applications of SWOT analysis is also the thrust of the paper. (Contains 3 tables.)