ASSESSMENT OF OFFICE FACILITIES FOR BUILDING A SKILLED AND INNOVATIVE WORKFORCE IN THE ERA OF STEAM EDUCATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA (BOSSO CAMPUS)

Abstract

This study examined the adequacy, challenges, and improvement strategies of office facilities in fostering a skilled and innovative workforce in the era of STEAM education and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (Bosso Campus). Guided by three objectives, a descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 71 academic and non-academic staff using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations) were used to answer the research questions, while Chi-square and t-test were employed at a 0.05 significance level to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that office facilities such as furniture, internet connectivity, ICT resources, and power supply were generally inadequate, limiting staff effectiveness and innovation. Major challenges identified included unstable electricity, poor internet service, and inadequate ICT tools. Recommended strategies included provision of ergonomic furniture, stable power supply, reliable internet, and AI-driven digital resources. The study concludes that addressing these gaps is essential to creating an enabling environment for workforce development in the digital era.