Making Architectural Technology Programmes in Nigeria Relevant To 21st Century Design and Technology: A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Nigeria

Abstract

Architectural technology programmes have experienced tremendous changes in the bid to address concerns of local identity and environmental responsiveness to contextual issues that are peculiar to the Nigerian milieu, while still conforming to global standards. This paper examines the academic curriculum contents of architectural technology programmes in Nigerian polytechnics in line with design and technological advancements of the 21st century with a view of establishing its relevance for national development. Adopting the case study research method, data were collected from two sets of questionnaires; one set administered to the tutorial staff of department, and the other set to a group of their graduates in professional practice. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the graduates' proficiency with varied CADD software packages availed them of more job opportunities. The paper recommends the complete adoption of computer-based workstations for the Higher National Diploma (HND) levels in the department, a robust curriculum for computer courses to tackle the evolving challenges of the work expectations and funding of infrastructure to improve computer-based training programmes in the department. The paper concludes that addressing the shortfalls of the computer courses will boost the industrial coerce of the programme, making it relevant to the 21st century design and technology in Nigeria which is paramount to national development.