Training Needs Assessment for Aquaculture Technicians in Tertiary Institutions in the North Central Zone

This study conducted a training needs assessment for aquaculture technicians and paraprofessionals graduating from tertiary institutions in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone, comprising Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, and Plateau states. The quality of technically trained personnel entering the aquaculture workforce directly determines the ability of fish farms, hatcheries, and extension services to adopt modern production technologies. Data were collected from 120 final-year students in aquaculture and fisheries programmes, 35 farm employers, and 18 academic staff at six participating institutions. Competency gaps were assessed across practical production, health management, nutrition, water quality, business management, and laboratory analytical skills. Results showed significant misalignment between academic training content and employer competency requirements. Employers rated practical hatchery management, fish health diagnosis, and aquaculture business planning as the top three competency requirements, yet these were identified as the three weakest areas by graduating technicians. Laboratory skills and digital record-keeping also showed wide gaps. Academic staff attributed the gaps to inadequate laboratory infrastructure and the predominance of theoretical instruction. Industry placements were provided at only two of six institutions, and their duration was generally insufficient for meaningful skill transfer. The study recommends a comprehensive curriculum review aligning training outcomes with industry needs, investment in practical training infrastructure, expansion of industry internship programmes, and the development of a national competency standard for aquaculture technicians applicable across all geopolitical zones. Keywords: training needs assessment, aquaculture technicians, curriculum development, North Central zone, fisheries education