Electrical Measurement and Control Skills for Manpower Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to ascertain the electrical measurement and control skills needed for manpower development in Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used in the study whose sample is composed of 82 subjects (24 electrical graduates and 58 supervisors). One research question guided the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire by the researchers titled ‘Electrical Measurement and Control Skills for Development Questionnaire (EMCSDQ)’. EMCSDQ was designed on a 5-point Likert Scale. Three experts validated the instrument whose reliability was ascertained via Cronbach’s Alpha which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.83. A total of 89 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents by the researchers and one other research assistant. From the total questionnaire distributed, only 82 (representing 92.1%) was recovered and used for data analysis. Mean was used to answer the research question and standard deviation was used determine the closeness and homogeneity in the responses of the respondents. The finding of the study revealed that electrical measurement and control skills of instrument calibration, system servicing, troubleshooting and maintenance, electronic system simulation among others are needed for manpower development. Consequently, it was recommended among others that the government and polytechnic administrators should ensure adequate provision of training facilities in polytechnics workshops and laboratories; effective students industrial work experience scheme (SIWES); engage experienced lecturers and instructors in polytechnics for quality manpower development of graduates.