Technical Skills Requisites of Auto-Mechanics Students in the Maintenance of Modern Vehicles in Nigeria.

Abstract

, ’,The study determines the technical skills requisites of motor vehicle mechanic students in the maintenance of modern vehicles in Nigeria. The study was a survey research in which data was collected through a 30 item questionnaire on a population of 160 respondents conveniently sampled from Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Kaduna town and Minna, Niger state. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation on a 4-point scale. While t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of probability. Findings of the study revealed among others that the technical skills posses by automobile mechanics students is not satisfactory significant for effective maintenance and repair of modern vehicles.; as a result craftsmen graduating from motor vehicle mechanics’ programme finds it difficult to efficiently apply computers in carrying out automobile diagnoses and repairs. It was also discovered that for effective maintenance of modern vehicles, automobile mechanics students need skills in the use of computer scan tools and knowledge of Electronic control unit and sensors. The study recommended among others: that there should be periodic review of the technical college motor vehicle mechanics’ curriculum and the curriculum for training of automobile teachers to equip the teachers with the requisite technical and pedagogical skills needed to expose the students to the requisite skills. Similarly, the study suggested among others that organizing of retraining courses and workshops alongside establishing a strong linkage between automobile industries and technical colleges will help in equipping automobile mechanics’ with the requisite skills for effective maintenance of modern vehicles.