Impact of Unskilled Personnel on the Efficiency of Technical Digital Laboratories in Nigerian Higher Education Institutions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63561/fnas-jmse.v7i1.1056Keywords:
Technical Digital Laboratories, Unskilled Personnel, Student Learning Outcomes, Equipment Maintenance, Higher EducationAbstract
Impact of Unskilled Workers on Technical Digital Labs in Nigerian Higher Education Institutions This study examines how technical digital laboratories in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education are affected by unskilled staff in terms of their originality, functionality, and instructional quality. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of skilled technical personnel in scientific, engineering, and technology-based fields as digital labs become more and more essential to hands-on learning. A descriptive survey research design was used to collect data from 210 respondents composed of laboratory users (students) and managers (technologists and instructors) across six institutions in Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the perceived effects of unskilled personnel. Nevertheless, many institutions continue to rely on underqualified personnel to operate and manage these laboratories, raising concerns about operational efficiency, student learning outcomes, and equipment sustainability. Descriptive statistics and a one-way ANOVA at a 0.05 significance level were used to test three null hypotheses and answer three main research questions. The results showed that having inexperienced staff members considerably reduces the operational effectiveness of digital labs, lowers student learning outcomes, and leads to poor maintenance and little technical innovation. Consistent performance differences between labs run by skilled and unskilled personnel were indicated by mean scores. These findings highlight how urgently educational policymakers must implement competency-based hiring practices, ensure ongoing professional development, and standardize personnel standards for laboratory positions. In order to improve the efficacy of digital laboratories and the employability of students, the report advises Nigerian higher education institutions to establish a systematic technical capacity-building program and match staffing procedures with global best practices.
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