Assessment of Computer-Aided Design Skills Among Architecture Students in Plateau State Polytechnic

This study assesses the level of computer-aided design skills among architecture students at Plateau State Polytechnic, North Central Nigeria. Computer-aided design is a fundamental competency in contemporary architectural and building technology practice, yet many graduates of Nigerian polytechnics enter the profession without adequate proficiency in standard design software. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, targeting 150 final-year National Diploma and Higher National Diploma architecture students. A performance-based skills assessment instrument covering AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit competencies is developed and validated by architecture professionals. Additional data on software access, instructional quality, and frequency of computer lab use are gathered through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and t-tests compare skill levels across programmes and genders. Findings are expected to reveal below-standard proficiency levels, particularly in three-dimensional modelling and building information modelling platforms. Contributing factors include outdated computer lab hardware, inconsistent software licensing, and insufficient integration of computer-aided design into studio projects. The study recommends dedicated computer-aided design laboratories, industry-standard software licensing agreements with design firms, and the embedding of digital design competencies as a core graduation requirement. This research contributes to the literature on digital skills in Nigerian built environment education and offers practical guidance to Plateau State Polytechnic administrators and the National Board for Technical Education. Keywords: computer-aided design, architecture students, Plateau State, digital skills, technical education