Higher National Diploma Research Articles

Bridging the Employability Gap: The Vital Soft Skills Needed by HND Graphic Design Graduates in the 21st Century Workforce

Basically, competencies have been a significant matter that affects the growth of economies. From the perspective of the industry, the skills gap has been identified as a lack of the right skills among graduates. This multiple case study adopts the evaluative research to investigate the level of soft skills inherent in the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Graphic Design Programme (GDP) at Takoradi Technical University (TTU). Adopting the interpretive approach, it translated the social perspectives of 30 key stakeholders of the HND GDP gathered through purposive and snowball sampling methods using face-to-face and focus group interaction from Sekondi-Takoradi, Kumasi, Accra and Tema to establish the applicability of the curriculum to the world of work. Utilizing the Career EDGE model by Dacre-Pool and Sewell as a theoretical lens for analysing the data, the result reveals that some key skills are absent in the CAPGD curriculum, thus presenting graduates ill-equipped for the world of work.

An Appraisal of Employable Content of the National Diploma in Architectural Technology Program in North East Nigeria

The study was designed to determine the applicability of knowledge and skill content of the National diploma in Architectural Technology (NDAT) Program. The study involves 4 Polytechnics in the North East zone of Nigeria are involved, Namely Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Bauchi, and Damaturu along with Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri. The respondents are from stakeholders of the NDAT Operating departments at the listed institutions. They include lecturers (54), Instructors (14), Technologist (9), Technicians (26), Higher National Diploma (HND) Architectural Technology Student (44) and NDAT graduating Class Student (33). A total population of 192 respondents. To guide the study, research questions touched on which occupations can be associated with type of knowledge and skill content of the NDAT program. A structured questionnaire containing twenty occupations that require core, Linkage or general knowledge or skills as those in NDAT training was administered. The data collected was cumulated and analyzed using sample percentage as statistics tool, the result showed that all occupations scored more than 50%, 3 had scores between 50-59%, 3 between 60-69%, 7 scored 70-79%, 6 had 80-89% while 1 recorded over 90% acceptance of its applicability to knowledge and skill sets in the NDAT, the responses indicate a level of acceptance that the NDAT courses carry knowledge and skills that are similar to those applied in the occupations listed. These findings suggest that the researchers recommend that application and applicabilityof courses be clearly explained along with other objectives of the courses in the training. With a target of preparing the potential NDAT Graduate to develop flair for aspects of the training leading to practice, specialty and employment has assumed calls for need to increase a graduates’ chance by being multi skilled, or even trans- Occupational, might well be considered and attitude of the graduate must radiate dignity of labour and humility.

Employment and Job Creation in the art Sector in Ghana: Evidence from A Tracer Survey of the Higher National Diploma Industrial art

AbstractIn Technical Universities in Ghana, the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes are well‐established higher education programmes for the provision of middle‐level manpower needs of the Country. The programmes are considered industry‐related, offering students the knowledge and skills required for effective performance at work. However, there is very little tracer survey on the polytechnic/technical university graduate on the relevance of the HND Industrial Art Programmes run in the polytechnics/technical universities, apart from a study on exploring the destinations of Higher National Diploma, Graphic Design graduates in the Ghanaian labour market. Therefore, the study sought to conduct a tracer study on the impact of the HND Industrial Art Programme on the Art Sector in Ghana. To carry out the study, the main objective was to assess the effectiveness and the contribution of the HND Industrial Art Programme to employment and job creation in the Art Sector in Ghana. The Concurrent Triangulated Mixed Method research approach was adopted to undertake the research. From the study, the major finding is that the Painting and Decoration (P/D), Ceramics and Leatherwork options all succeeded in creating jobs/empowering graduates to create their own jobs, but that cannot be said with the Textiles option. The findings have implications for TVET training in the country. It is therefore recommended that appropriate steps should be taken in consultation with the Ghana Tertiary Education Council (GTEC) to have a holistic review of the curriculum to make it relevant for the benefit of this ever‐dynamic society.

Effect of Gender on Office Technology and Management (OTM) Students’ Academic Achievement and Retention in Record Management in Polytechnics in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study determined the effect of gender on office technology and management (OTM) students’ academic achievement and retention in record management in polytechnics in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was quasi-experimental research which specifically used the pretest, posttest nonequivalent control group design. The population of the study was 6,213 Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) offering OTM in Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State and the sample size was 347 OTM students. The instrument for data collection was Record Management Achievement Test (RMAT) extracted from second year OND AND HND past questions from 2019-2023. RMAT was administered to OTM students in both experimental and control groups. Test-retest method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument and data were analyzed with Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient which yielded 0.86. Mean was used to answer the research questions while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The SPSS version 21.0 was used for analysis. Findings revealed that male performed better than their female counterparts in record management and also there is no statistically significant difference on the pretest and posttest mean retention scores of male and female office technology and management students’ in record management. Based on the results and discussions of the findings of the study, the researchers are pertinent that students’ academic achievements in record management are not influenced by gender. It was therefore recommended among others, that record management teachers should endeavor to give female and male students equal opportunities in the classroom.

Impact of Hypermedia-Based Reading on Professional Writing; An Experimental Study Based on ‘Sri Lanka Sunday Observer’ E-Paper

The application of hypermedia-based learning with electronic newspaper; refers to facilitate the learning with graphics, images, animation, sound and hypertext shows a major role in the performance of the students. This research was conducted to find the relationship between the hypermedia-based newspaper reading under the business English in the Higher National Diploma in Accountancy syllabus with learning strategies: tasks and activities in newspaper corner with poster method and the performance in the professional writing in HNDA course of Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education as there were no any previous research studies done in the academic field. Ninety students from HNDA – A were taken as an experimental group and ninety students from HNDA- B were taken as a controlled group. A pre-test was conducted for the groups to find the previous knowledge of the students in the professional writing proficiency and the mean differences were found to be negligible for the groups. Later, the experimental group was used to pursue hypermedia-based newspaper (Sri Lanka Sunday Observer) reading on the strategies; tasks and activities in newspaper corner with poster method for six months with sixty hours learning while the controlled group was taught without the use of hypermedia-based newspaper reading. After six months a post-test was conducted for the groups. When it was conducted the mean was slightly improved for the group – B, and the mean was considerably improved for the group – A. Thus, the research findings imply that hyper-media newspaper reading improves professional writing of the learners.

Using a Modified Quality Control Charts on Academic Grades of Tertiary Institutions Students

Quality of products or services has different meaning by different Authors. Quality of academic processes in Nigeria is measured mainly by the standard set by regulatory bodies of Educational Institutions. There are a number of factors that affects quality assurance and students’ academic performance in Nigeria. This study is on the application of statistical quality control techniques on the academic performance of students. The study was aimed to investigate the performance of both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) students of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic (WUFP) Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, using a modified version of the Shewhart’s quality control charts. Nine (9) departments from a total of 32 departments of the institution were selected. A total of 720 student’s records of Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPAs) were studied. Twenty student’s records each were selected per session and per programme. The results showed that the overall performance of students of the Institution is within the average standard expected of each graduand of the Polytechnic as provided by the regulatory body, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Community health practice: the Nigerian model

The Nigerian model of community health practice is a unique approach to healthcare delivery that emphasizes the involvement of community members in the planning and implementation of healthcare services. This model is based on the principle that healthcare should be accessible, affordable, and equitable for all members of the community. This review focused on the Nigerian model of community health practice yesterday, today, and in the future. Findings indicated that the Nigerian model of community health practice was established in 1978 and is characterized by the use of community health practitioners who have acquired National Diplomas, Higher National Diploma, Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. degrees in Community Health. They are licensed by the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria to provide basic healthcare services such as health education, preventive care, treatment of common illnesses, maternal and child health services, and family planning at primary health centers and community levels. While the model of community health practice has faced significant challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, and a shortage of trained personnel, it has demonstrated promising results in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities. The Nigerian Model of community health practice holds important lessons for other countries seeking to strengthen their primary healthcare systems.

Issues in use of web-based information resources by public polytechnic students in southwestern Nigeria

Many Nigerian polytechnic libraries seem not subscribe to or renew their subscriptions to Web-based Information Resources (WBIR) databases despite its increasing popularity in the academic world. Hence, the study was aimed to look into recurring issues in the use of WBIR by public polytechnic students in Southwestern Nigeria. Six public polytechnics out of the 16 offering Higher National Diploma (HND) programmemes were selected by stratified random sampling to reflect federal and stage polytechnics. Proportionate to size sampling technique was used to select 1,463 HND students. The instruments used were WBIR use for Academic Tasks (α=0.98), and Challenges of WBIR Use (α=0.84) scales. Data were analysed using proportionate and descriptive statistics. Majority of the respondents 709(51.1%) listed Google as the major search engine used. Others indicated a combination of Google and other search engines like Google, and Bing (71 or 5.1%), Chrome, Google, and Operamini (71 or 5.1%). Wikipedia (136 or 9.8%), and Myschool.com 55 (4.0%)are commondatabase/website used by the students.Challenges to WBIR use include high cost of accessibility (α=2.73) and download delay (α=2.64).Public polytechnic students in Southwestern Nigeria used web-based information resources, especially obtainable through Google search engine and Wikipedia.Information literacy programs at polytechnic libraries should not be taken lightly.

Absenteeism of Some Students in Secondary School in Sokoto East, Nigeria

Education is a right to every child, but Sokoto is suffering from many issues ravaging education, therewith, children/ adult abandoning school/ class is one of the sufferings of education in the area. The objective of this study is to evaluate the school/ class absenteeism in school in Sokoto East, Nigeria. The demographic characteristics of respondents shows that; all the respondents are Muslims, Hausa/ Fulani, and males (100.0%). The education was degree (33.7%), Students (50.0%), and lastly higher national diploma (16.7%). The types/ forms of school/ classes absenteeism been shown by the students of the observed school in Sokoto East, Nigeria. The most submitted form was, Students sitting outside classes during class hours (33.3%), and others are: “Some classes were closed (25.0%)” and “Students abandoning classes before the closing time (25.0%)”. The last was students completely refusing to come to schools sometime (16.7%). The submitted reasons behind students absenteeism in school in Sokoto East, Nigeria are as follows: Poor supervision of students by teachers (24.0%), Poor supervision of teachers’ by leaders (18.0%), Insecurity (17.7%), Poor supervision by communities (15.0%), Poor management by administration (12.0%), Lack of enough teachers (8.0%), and corruption (5.3%). Therein, the effects of absenteeism are as follows: Poor education/ academic performance (42.0%), Inability to go to higher education (30.0%), and School dropout (28.0%). The possible solutions suggested by the respondents on how to tackle the issues of students abstaining schools or classes. The most submitted solution was “Proper monitoring of school by administration (36.7%)” then “Proper monitoring by teachers (27.3%)”, then “Proper parental monitoring (22.7%)”, and the last submitted response was “Proper monitoring of school by community (13.3%)”. There exists school and class absenteeism, and have the tendency to affect education and in turn development of the area and state at large. Proper monitoring of schools, students, and teachers are needed from the side of government, community, and school heads.

Instructional Resources for Skill Acquisition in the Art of Millinery for Higher National Diploma: A Study of Fashion Design in Technical Universities in Ghana

This study assessed the impact of instructional resources used in skills acquisition in millinery art in fashion design in technical universities in Ghana. The study examined the available instructional resources used in the skills acquisition in millinery art by higher national diploma (HND) fashion design students in five selected technical universities in Ghana. The study used a descriptive survey design. The study population was 249 students at HND Level 200 and 31 lecturers of millinery art in the five selected technical universities in fashion design departments. The study used multistage and stratified sampling techniques to collect data from the respondents. Data was collected using an observation checklist, a closed-ended questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyse data. The overall regression was statistically significant R2 = .508, F(20, 228) = 11.794, p < 0.05, indicating that the instructional resources used impacted millinery skills acquired. The study found that cutting scissors, milliners’ pins and straw proofed statistically significant as predicted in the millinery skills acquired by the HND fashion design students, which implied that these were the instructional resources used most often; however, the study also discovered that the essential instructional resources were not available to be used in skills acquisition in millinery art in the technical universities. It was recommended that the technical universities support the fashion design departments to acquire the needed instructional resources for skill acquisition in milliner art

Performance Evaluation of Computer Science Students in Mathematical Courses Over Prgramming Language Courses

Abstract: The low level of performance observed among many computer science students in mathematical and computer programming courses served as the motivation for this work. The prediction of computer science students’ overall performance in mathematical courses over programming courses was done using WEKA and machine learning algorithms. Dataset of students performance from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria and Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos, Nigeria, for both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma were used. These data set were studied and analyzed using WEKA and Random Forest, J48, Naïve Bayes and Logistic Regression algorithms. The algorithms were applied for the HND and ND dataset and there was comparison based on their accurancy, learning time and percentage of correctly classified instances. This comparison showed that there is direct relation between the execution time in building models and volume of data records. This shows that the predictor did not only predict the number of students that are likely to be in distinction, upper credit, lower credit, pass and fail but also show the relationship between having the knowledge of mathematics and programming language for an overall performance in computer science. The knowledge pattern represented further satisfies the exertion that it is imperative for students to have a standard knowledge of mathematics as this will help in being the best in their chosen profession.

Effects of Listening to Music on Mental Health of Nigerian Undergraduate Students

Aim: The impact of music on mental health, specifically among Nigerian undergraduate students, is an area yet to be fully explored. This study therefore sought to investigate the impact of music listening habits on the mental health of Nigerian undergraduate students.
 Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional survey research design. The population of this study comprised of students from three tertiary institutions in Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria, namely: Federal College of Animal Health and Technology, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, and Federal College of Agriculture. A random sampling technique was employed to select four hundred (400) undergraduate students who were studying for the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) respectively.
 Results: A majority of the respondents (56.75%) listen to music several times a week, with 78% admitting to listening to music while studying. The genres most listened to were Hip hop (35.15%) and Gospel (27.12%). Most students reported feeling happier (39.87%) and more relaxed (33.26%) after listening to music, indicating a positive influence on mood and emotion. Furthermore, 83% of respondents claimed their mood influenced the type of music they chose to listen to, and 71.50% noted that different genres affected their mood distinctly. When asked about their mental health status, most students rated their mental health as good (71.25%) or excellent (26.75%). The majority acknowledged that music significantly influences their mood (87.25%), reduces stress levels (84%), and helps with concentration (85.25%). Up to 95.25% of the students have used music as a coping mechanism during emotional distress. Despite these benefits, a small percentage (2%) observed negative impacts on their mental health linked to their music listening habits. Overall, a significant 86.25% of students believe music positively influences their mental health. Notably, only 2.75% of students have sought professional help for mental health issues, and of these, 72.73% were recommended music as a therapeutic tool. Up to 93% expressed openness to the idea of music therapy.
 Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of music as a tool for enhancing mental health among Nigerian undergraduate students. However, the observed negative impacts on a minority of students highlight the need for further exploration and potential regulation of music-based interventions.

The Impact of Learning Management System on Student Academic Performance of Computer Science Department of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Aims: This study is aimed at exploring the impact of a Learning Management System (LMS) on the academic performance of the Computer Science Department, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: We adopted a hybrid of reliability test study and questionnaire.
 Place and Duration of Study: Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science Department, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria for 1st semester of 2021/2022 academic session.
 Methodology: The study was conducted with 60 students, which is made up of 34 males and 36 females. This respondent was given a test at the commencement of the course and was also tested after using the LMS for learning, their pretest and posttest scores were recorded. Furthermore, out of the 60 questionnaires that were served to the participants and 53 numbers were retrieved, 88.30% of the response. Out of the remaining 7 respondents, 4 were not retrieved and 3 were not correctly filled. The questionnaire has questions to which participants are expected to respond on a measure of five-point Likert scale. The Likert scale was assigned numerical values of 1,2,3,4, and 5 respectively from the negative judgment to the positive opinion.
 Results: From our reliability test on the data, it showed that the students had an average gain score of 12.5. This signifies that, on average, the participants who used the LMS platform had 12.5 points higher during the posttest than they had during the pretest. This reliability test score for the student measures their consistency on both tests. A score of 1 was used to indicate reliability while 0 is not reliable. From our data, it showed test score reliability for students to be above 0.95, indicating that student scores were consistent. Meanwhile, on the respondent's thoughts and feelings about the LMS, With LMS, the student can understand clearly the important learning goal with 4.06, with LMS students who say they are aware of important course during for completion of the course 3.81, 3.77 can easily be guided on the course title while using LMS and 3.92 can easily get abreast of how the task is to be performed to enable the student to learn. The LMS's impact on students' social interaction, showed that the new system has assisted student-teacher relationships and has made them communicate and ask questions freely from people in their area of study. It also showed that students' confidence and interaction with their peers have grown and their online discussion horizon has improved their social interaction.
 Conclusion: The LMS has improved the academic performance of students of the Computer Science Department, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Their scores were higher compared to what they used to be and meanwhile, the duration of the study also significantly improved. They are now aware of the reason for collaborative and academic study.

Naturopathic education in Ghana; Commentary on progress made towards curriculum development

The quest to improve the modern study of Naturopathy in Ghana started in 2016 with professional certifications introduced by the then Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine. The college received accreditation from the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) of the Ministry of Health. Between 2020 and 2021, the college found the need to take the study of African naturopathy to the tertiary level. The college started its national accreditation arrangement under the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) at the Higher National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine. The curriculum for Naturopathy was based on Ghana’s harmonized Competency Based Training (CBT). This paper presents a commentary on the progress made toward curriculum development and accreditation for Ghana’s first Naturopathy program at the tertiary level.

Evaluating the higher national diploma industrial art programme of tamale technical university in Ghana: Curriculum versus implementation

In Ghana’s Polytechnics/Technical Universities, the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes are ran to provide the country with its middle-skilled manpower base in science, engineering, technology, commerce and art for socio-economic development. However, the HND Industrial Art Programme of Tamale Technical University begun in 2008/2009 academic year and has since run up-to-date with options in Painting and Decorating (P/D), Leatherwork, Textiles and Ceramics without any form of evaluation to ascertain its impact in the country despite the numerous calls from stakeholders. Therefore, the study sought to examine the impact of the HND Industrial Art Programme of Tamale Technical University on the Art Industry in Ghana. To conduct the study, the main objective was to evaluate the scope and content of the curriculum of the HND Industrial Art Programme with reference to its implementation in the University. The Concurrent Triangulation Mixed-Method research design involving both qualitative (case study, document and descriptive analysis) and quantitative research were adopted to undertake the research. Questionnaire, interview and observation guides were relied as tools to collect data for the study. A sample population of 223 (present students: 57, graduates: 137, lecturers/technicians: 13 and industrial attachment supervisors: 16) was selected using purposive, random and snowball sampling techniques. From the study, the major finding is that, the curricula of the programme’s options provided students with knowledge and skills required in their respective industries as conceived by the Department. Nonetheless, with time and advancement in technology as being noted in the industry, some of the courses require review to catch up with industry standards. The findings from the study have implication on the training of students in the Country. It is therefore recommended that appropriate steps should be taken in conjunction with relevant stakeholders to have a holistic review of the curriculum to make it relevant.

Integrating 21st-Century Industrial Expectation into the HND Graphic Design Curriculum: Linkage with Key Partners for Engagement

The nexus between academia and the world of work determines the work readiness of graduates. The purpose of this study is to explore the linkage between the Higher National Diploma (HND) graphic design programme (GDP) and the graphic arts industry. The study utilized qualitative evaluative case studies to gather data from a face-to-face interview and focus group discussions for an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Both the purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to gather 30 respondents from faculty members, graduates, and industry-based supervisors of the HND GDP in Accra, Tema, Winneba, Takoradi, and Kumasi. The result of the analysis indicates that the experiences gained by HND GDG are dependent on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), the availability of experienced industrial trainers and lecturers for mentorship, modern facilities, teaching, and learning materials such as a cohesive curriculum. The study supports proper collaboration among key stakeholders in the HND GDP for cross-fertilization of ideas, open-mindedness, and receptivity. Therefore, developing trends is the most effective way to improve pedagogic processes.

Comparing the herbal and naturopathic medicine curricula in Ghanaian tertiary education: A commentary

About 80% of Ghanaians rely on Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines for their health needs. However, Complementary and Alternative Medicine was not factored into Act 575 in 2000. The government of Ghana has nonetheless taken some steps to provide recognition for CAM with ministerial directives. To date, no tertiary program exists in Ghana to train experts in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, unlike Herbal Medicine. In 2021, the Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine provided a roadmap in this area. The first National Occupational Standard was further developed at the Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine approved by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) for training Naturopaths. This paper compares the Herbal Medicine and Naturopathy curricula in Ghana.

Feedback from Technical University Fashion Students On Preparations for Semester-Out Industrial Attachment

This paper sought feedback from Technical University Higher National Diploma (HND) Fashion Students on the adequacy of their preparations for their Semester-Out Industrial Attachment (S-OIA) programme. The paper adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from 199 third year HND Fashion Students from five public Technical Universities in Ghana. The feedback from the students showed varied levels of dissatisfaction about the school-based preparations they went through prior to the S-O IA programme. Even though majority of the students affirmed that the school-based preparations made were necessary, it was obviously not helpful to many in view of the percentage of respondents who were informed on the benefits of the programme during the school-based orientation. It was therefore suggested that Technical Universities Industrial Liaison offices adopt and strictly adhere to the school-based preparation protocols and processes.

African naturopathic education: Ghana’s model using competency-based curriculum

Despite the over 62 years of Naturopathy’s existence in the Ghanaian jurisdiction, no single tertiary program in Naturopathy or Complementary and Alternative Medicine is taught. The practice has not been streamlined and properly structured. Those who engage in the Naturopathic trade mostly receive their education through correspondence from unrecognized and unaccredited foreign schools that teach a limited aspect of naturopathy. : Following the development and approval of two Naturopathic programs; The Higher National Diploma (HND) for training Naturopaths and Bachelor of Technology in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine, a 5-year program for Naturopathic Physicians, this paper provides a critical evaluation of the curricula approved by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) in Ghana. This paper employs a sequential two-stage qualitative process. In phase one, the two curricula were submitted to the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF) Canada, for evaluation. Phase two involved a document analysis using the curriculum recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF), and the South African Naturopathic curriculum. An in-depth evaluation and comparison with the Ghanaian program were conducted, together with abstracted WNF responses which were then analyzed thematically. After the necessary recommendations by WNF were adopted. The two Ghanaian curricula met the international standard. The recommendations also strengthened the mandatory general area of competence in Naturopathic training. The Ghanaian Bachelor’s in Naturopathy has total clock hours of 5,979, which surpasses the South African degree in Naturopathy(5,950) clock hours. The Ghanaian naturopathic mandatory and elective subjects in the curricula meet the international standards. Issues raised by World Naturopathic Federations (WNF) were all addressed to strengthen the program.

Competencies of Fashion Design and Technology Lecturers and their effects on Students’ Success at Constructing Ghanaian Traditional Costumes

College and university lecturers, as well as other educators are esteemed as transformational agents to the learners who pass through them. Similarly, Higher National Diploma (HND) fashion design and technology programme is designed to equip fashion design students to be versatile, high calibre personnel in the field of fashion design in both local and foreign costumes. The construction of more foreign costumes over GTCs in the HND fashion design and technology programmes, neglecting the main objective is now the major problem facing the authorities of TUs in Ghana. This study aimed at establishing the competency of lecturers of fashion design programmes and their influence learners’ ability to construct Ghanaian Traditional Costumes (GTC). The study adopted convergent mixed method design. The study was conducted in six out of the ten technical universities (TU) in Ghana: Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, Cope Coast, Tamale and Ho. Target population was 1265 comprising head of departments (HoDs), lecturers and students. Simple random sampling was used to select six universities from the ten TUs. Purposive sampling was used in sampling 24 lecturers of fashion design including HoDs, and Proportion sampling was used to sample 306 fashion design and technology students. Total sample size was 330. Data collection tools were questionnaires for lecturers and students, Interview guide for HODs and observation checklist on availability of GTCs in the TUs. Both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered in the study. Quantitative data was entered, cleaned and analysed using SPSS 22.0 software. Skills of lecturers of fashion design and technology on construction of GTCs using standard multiple regression. Themes were used to summarise Qualitative data using interpretative and coding techniques. The results showed that more than 75% of the lecturers had masters and PhD and were all trained in fashion related courses, acquired skills from practicing FDT also qualify to lecture programme.