DSpace Community: SSTE

Implementing Competency-Based Education and training in Technical Colleges: A Realistic Approach to Producing Skilled Workforce for Sustainable Industrial Development

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Implementing Competency-Based Education and training in Technical Colleges: A Realistic Approach to Producing Skilled Workforce for Sustainable Industrial Development Authors: Eze, C. P.; Mojekwu, O. E.; Omeje, H. O.; Igwe, C. O.

Awareness and Engagement with Artificial Intelligence Technologies as Predictors of Undergraduate Readiness in Building and Woodwork Technology for Construction Practice in Benue State

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Awareness and Engagement with Artificial Intelligence Technologies as Predictors of Undergraduate Readiness in Building and Woodwork Technology for Construction Practice in Benue State Authors: Nule, J. S.; Upwa, F. E.; Nwokolo-Ojo, J. O.; Igwe, C. O.; Sesugh, T. Abstract: This study investigates the levels of awareness and engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies among undergraduate students in building and woodwork technology programmes in Nigeria, and examines their preparedness for professional practice in the construction industry. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 167 students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education using a validated 20-item questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.78). Descriptive statistics revealed moderate levels of AI awareness (Mₜ = 1.97, SDₜ = 0.77) and engagement (Mₜ = 2.28, SDₜ = 0.79), with polytechnic students demonstrating the highest awareness and university students reporting the greatest engagement. However, students exhibited limited readiness (Mₜ = 2.16, SDₜ = 0.85) to apply AI technologies in real-world construction scenarios. Regression and correlation analyses (α = 0.05) indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between AI awareness, engagement, and industry readiness, though the explained variance was modest. The findings underscore critical gaps in current curricular integration of AI applications, such as machine learning and automated systems, within construction-related disciplines. Based on these results, the study recommends targeted interventions, including enhanced AI-focused coursework, practical training initiatives, and faculty development programmes, to bridge the disparity between academic training and industry requirements.

Investigation on The Levels of Awareness and Engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies among Undergraduate Students in Building and Woodwork Technology.

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Investigation on The Levels of Awareness and Engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies among Undergraduate Students in Building and Woodwork Technology. Authors: Nule, J.S.; Upwa, F.E.; Nwokolo-Ojo, J. O.; Igwe, C.O.; Tar, S. Abstract: The study assessed the challenges and sustainability strategies of solar power microgridimplementation in rural communities in Kogi and Niger States. Two research questionsand two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey researchdesign. The targeted population of the study was 548 respondents comprising of 499energy consumers and 49 microgrid personnel from rural communities in Kogi and NigerStates,Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to 277 energy consumersfrom the two rural communities, and census sampling technique was used to select 49microgrid personnel from the communities. A structured questionnaire titled“Questionnaire on Solar Power Microgrids Effects on Rural Communities (QSPERRC)”was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts and was pilottested in Kwara State using 15 Energy Consumers and Microgrid Personnel. CronbachAlpha formula was used with the overall reliability index of the instrument found to be0.87, which implied that instrument was reliable for use. Data collected was analysedusing mean, standard deviation and z-test statistics. The findings of the study revealed thatthe contributions of solar power microgrids on socio-economic development in ruralcommunities in Kogi and Niger States includes significant improvements in; healthcareservices, small-scale enterprises,educational development and social and communitydevelopment. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that governmentand policymakers should provide adequate subsidies, grants, and policy support to reducethe high initial capital costs associated with solar power microgrid projects in ruralcommunities in Kogi and Niger State.

Effects of Testing Mode and Computer Familiarity on First-Year Students' Achievement in Cell Biology at Federal University of Technology, Minna

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Effects of Testing Mode and Computer Familiarity on First-Year Students' Achievement in Cell Biology at Federal University of Technology, Minna Authors: Idris, Umar Sarkin Bauchi; Haruna, Ramatu; Hamman, Mathew Joseph; Ezeamagu, Mary Abstract: Computer-Based Test (CBT) has become a central concern in educational assessment not only in Nigeria, but in almost all countries of the world. Governments, examination bodies, institutions and organizations have accorded CBT much priority as a result of the potentials manifested by the mode over the years, ranging from accuracy, speed, objectivity and innovation. Numerous studies were embarked upon as to unfold the validity evidences necessary for the smooth transition from the traditional Paper-Pencil- Test (PPT) to the CBT in educational assessment with varied and inconsistent results. This paper reports a study conducted on the effects of testing mode and computer familiarity on first-year students’ achievement in Cell Biology at Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State. Repeated measures design was adopted using first year university students. Purposive sampling technique was employed in getting the university course and the sample of the study (1130 participants). The research instruments were Cell Biology Achievement Test (CBAT) and Computer Familiarity Scale (CFS) which were validated by five experts. Reliability coefficient of CBAT using KR20 was .78 and CFS yielded .79 using Cronbach Alpha formula. The parallel form reliability coefficient of .91 for the CBAT modes (CBT and PPT) was obtained using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Data generated was analyzed using One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA and independent t-test accordingly. Findings revealed that there was significant difference between the academic achievement of first year students in Cell Biology CBT and PPT modes (F (1, 1129) = 2380.943, P< 0.05). The findings also discovered that there was significant difference between the academic achievement of less and more computer familiarity first- year students in Cell Biology CBT mode, t (1128) = 3.840, P < 0.05. It was recommended among others that schools and departments should be well equipped with computer facilities to enhance computer skills capable of averting any irrelevant variance in the academic achievement of students in Biology electronic assessments. Keywords: Computer-Based Test, Paper-Pencil-Test, Cell Biology, Assessment, Testing Mode, Computer familiarity Description: Team contribution