Assessment of Practical Skills Development in Electrical Electronics Technology in Ondo State Technical Colleges

This study assesses the level of practical skills development in electrical and electronics technology among students of technical colleges in Ondo State, South West Nigeria. As digitisation reshapes industries across Nigeria, proficiency in electrical and electronics technology has become increasingly critical for employment in manufacturing, telecommunications, and power generation. Despite policy emphasis on practical instruction, many technical colleges continue to deliver predominantly theoretical content. A descriptive survey design is adopted, with 160 Year Two National Technical Certificate students and 30 practical instructors across four technical colleges in Akure, Owo, and Okitipupa local government areas. An industry-validated practical skills assessment instrument covering circuit analysis, soldering, wiring, and fault diagnosis is administered alongside a questionnaire measuring instructional quality and equipment access. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test to compare skill levels across college locations. Findings are expected to reveal below-standard skill levels in complex diagnostic procedures and limited familiarity with current components used in industry. Deficiencies in laboratory equipment, instructor specialisation, and scheduled practical hours are anticipated as primary causes. Recommendations include equipment refreshment programmes funded through state budgetary provisions, additional practical session hours in timetables, and partnerships with telecommunications and power companies for industrial exposure. The study contributes to practical skills research in electrical and electronics vocational education and provides guidance for curriculum improvement in Ondo State technical colleges. Keywords: practical skills, electrical electronics, technical colleges, Ondo State, vocational education