Assessment of Interior Decoration Knowledge Among Home Economics Students in Bayelsa State

This study assesses the level of interior decoration knowledge among Home Economics students in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. Interior decoration is an emerging vocational area within the Home Economics domain, offering significant employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in Nigeria's growing real estate and hospitality sectors. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets 200 undergraduate Home Economics students in Niger Delta University and Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and a practical performance checklist. Objectives include assessing students' theoretical knowledge of design principles, colour schemes, and space planning, evaluating their practical interior decoration competencies, and identifying institutional factors supporting or constraining skill development. Recent literature notes a disconnect between Home Economics programme content and labour market demands in Nigeria's interior decoration sector, with students lacking exposure to contemporary design technologies. Data were analysed using mean scores, standard deviation, and t-tests. The Competency-Based Education Framework guides the study, aligning learning outcomes with industry-relevant skills. Findings are anticipated to reveal moderate theoretical knowledge but significant practical skill deficits. Recommendations target the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, university management, and professional bodies to revise curricula and introduce industry partnerships for practical training in interior decoration. Keywords: interior decoration, Home Economics, competency-based education, vocational skills, Bayelsa State.