Perception of Automobile Maintenance Professionals on the Maintenance of Modern Automobiles in Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

, The research study determined the perception of automobile maintenance artisans and technicians on the maintenance of modern automobiles in Nigeria. The study was a survey research in which data was collected through a 39 items questionnaire on a population of 150 respondents conveniently sampled from Kontagora, Suleja and Minna. The data were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation on a 4-point scale. Findings of the study revealed among others that the perception of automobile maintenance artisans and technicians on the maintenance of modern automobiles in Niger State has changed dramatically due to the numerous challenges posed by modern vehicles during maintenance and repair. This is due to several factors among which includes: defects of the indigenous apprenticeship method of training artisans, poor training facilities, poor curriculum in formal schools and too much emphasis in theory against practical’s in formal training institutions. The study recommended among others: the urgent need to retrain and equip the automobile artisans and technicians with the necessary work skills to enable them cope with the current challenges experienced in maintenance of modern vehicles.