Abstract

This study evaluated the attainment of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) training objectives and skill development among automobile mechanics in the formal sector of Northern Nigeria. The study specifically determined the extent to which NADDC graduates attained the objectives of the training programme and examined the appropriateness of NADDC objectives for training automobile mechanics in the maintenance and repair of modern vehicles. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The population comprised 700 respondents consisting of NADDC graduates, trainers, and assessors across the three northern geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A sample size of 313 respondents was used, including 245 graduates selected using Taro Yamane’s formula, while all 56 trainers and 12 assessors were selected through census sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled “NADDC Training Program Evaluation Questionnaire (NTPEQ)” containing 106 items on a five-point rating scale. The instrument was validated by experts and yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.956. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions, while ttest statistics were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that NADDC graduates largely attained the objectives of the training programme and demonstrated competencies in modern vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. The study also found that NADDC objectives were appropriate and aligned with the training needs of the automobile industry. The study concluded that NADDC programmes significantly contribute to technical skill acquisition and workforce development in the formal automobile sector. It was recommended that NADDC should periodically review its training objectives, strengthen industry collaboration, and improve training facilities and feedback mechanisms