EMERGING TECHNICAL SKILLS EXPECTED OF MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANIC STUDENTS IN THE MAINTENANCE OF LUBRICATION SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT RIVERS STATE
Authors:
Okwelle, P. Chijioke Phd, Beako, Y.tombari And Ojotule, D. Iko
Abstract:
This study identified emerging technical skills expected of motor vehicle mechanic students in the maintenance of lubrication system sustainable manpower development in Rivers State. The population of the study consisted of 153 respondents, comprising of 140 motor vehicle technicians and 13 motor vehicle technical teachers of four National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) accredited technical colleges in Rivers State. Four research questions were posed to guide the study. No sampling was taken considering the manageable size of the population. A self-developed instrument was used to obtain information from the respondents. The instrument was validated by three experts. Mean and the standard deviation was used to analyse the research question while ttest was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. 153 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the respondents, with only 143 copies retrieved and were used for the study. Findings revealed 15 items of emerging technical skills expected of students of MVM in maintaining lubrication system which include: Mount the oil pressure alarm sensor, check and replace defective oil pump, replace wearing part with new ones, check power supply to the oil pressure alarm sensor, select appropriate tools for the repairing of lubrication system, clean the paper filter thoroughly to allow free flow of oil, perform a test through the electronic control unit to check the high pressure fuel injection pump, carry out oil pressure alarm sensor for damage part amongst others. Findings also revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean response of technical teachers and motor vehicle technicians in maintaining lubrication system. As the study recommended, the Government should make available modern tools, equipment and machines used in the teaching and learning of motor vehicle mechanic courses in technical colleges, the motor vehicle service companies should partner with the authorities of technical college with the aim to enhance robust practical oriented exercise on the motor vehicle, Modern equipment and materials of the lubrication system should be imported annually to the college for effective teaching and learning in the technical college.