trategies for Improving Practical Skill Acquisition of Electrical Installation and Maintenance Practice of Technical College Students in Niger State

Abstract

Technical education is an important ingredient for the development of manpower and economic growth of any nation. This can only be realised if the required skills are acquired at all levels of the educational system in this country especially from the technical college level, through the proper provision of adequate tools, equipment and facilities and a comfortable learning environment and to also improving the condition of the teachers. This study was designed to find the strategies to be adopted to improve the practical skill acquisition of Electrical installation and Maintenance Practice by technical college students of technical colleges in Niger State. Related literatures were reviewed. Survey research design was employed. A total population of 124 was used for the study comprising principals, Electrical Installation teachers and students of Electrical Installation in TCII and TC III. The reliability of the Instrument was found to be 0.73. Mean and t-test statistics were used. The results of the study revealed that majority of the teachers do not have the required qualification as required by NBTE to teach effectively at the technical college.(i.e. a degree in technical education). There is also a shortage of tools, equipment and materials in the technical college’s electrical workshops. It was therefore recommended among other things, that the Niger State Government should encourage the holders of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma to go for A PGD in technical education, while those with NCE to go for a degree. It should supply the technical colleges with enough materials for practical purposes.