Conceptual model of technical sustainability for integration into electrical/electronic engineering programmes in Nigerian polytechnics

Abstract

Global warming is probably the greatest threat of this century. Several developed and developing countries have taken important measures to reduce its adverse effects, including greening their Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) curricula. However, Sub Saharan African countries are left behind to that effect, despite the fact that people in these countries are the greatest recipients of the global warming harmful consequences. The goal of this research therefore, is to investigate the suitable competencies in technical sustainability for incorporation into Higher National Diploma electrical/electronic engineering curriculum in Nigeria. The authors used mixed-method approach employing sequential exploratory design in the study. In the qualitative phase, we analyzed documents consisting of 10 journal articles and 3 skills standards, as well as conducted a total of 10 interviews with experts. Also, we carried out 3 rounds of modified Delphi survey using 28 participants to ascertain the appropriateness of the competencies suitable for infusion into the said curriculum. The study discovered competencies suitable for incorporation into the curriculum which include cognitive-related competencies in clean energy, eco-design, and RD; psychomotor-related competencies in sustainable production, waste-to-energy-technology, communication/ICT, and use of modern engineering software tools; and affective values related to engineering ethical responsibility, occupational health and safety, cooperation/teamwork, and equity. We analyzed only 13 documents, conducted 10 interviews, and administered questionnaires in 3 rounds of Delphi survey technique to 28 experts in only one geo-political zone of the country. Thus, conclusions derived from these sources rely on the genuineness of the information provided by the participants. The findings provided the researchers, accreditation bodies as well as curriculum developers with competencies in technical sustainability in the events of curriculum upgrade or renewal to integrate technical sustainability. The findings are the results of triangulated data elicited theoretically and empirically.