Assessment of the Training Facilities for the Implementation of Mechanical Technology Programme in Technical Colleges in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study aims to carry out an assessment of the Training Facilities for the Implementation of Mechanical Technology Programme in Technical Colleges in Northern Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the availability, adequacy and functionality of the facilities in the workshop. A descriptive research design was adopted to reach out to a population of 144 respondents in 24 NBTE-accredited technical colleges in the study area. An NBTE checklist of workshop facilities consisting of 51 items in seven sub-themes was used as an instrument for data collection. The instrument was administered by the researchers and the trained assistants. The data was analyzed using the mean statistic. Results show that the majority of the workshop facilities were available, most of the workshop facilities were inadequate and the majority of the workshop facilities were functioning. It was recommended, among others, that Federal and State Governments should add to their annual budget 5% for the purchase of new and modern workshop facilities. The emphasis in the present dispensation is on the teaching of digital workshop skills to students. It is very vital that digital facilities be supplied adequately to the schools for instruction. Government should involve Non-Governmental Organizations, the Industry and other stakeholders in hosting meetings for workshop skills curriculum development, supply of facilities and drawing future road maps for skills training.