EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF ARTISAN SKILLS TRAINING ON PROJECT QUALITY PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA

The Nigerian construction industry grapples with persistent challenges in project quality, including delays, cost overruns, and poor workmanship, largely attributed to a shortage of skilled artisans. This study evaluates the impact of artisan skills training on project quality performance, aiming to identify current training approaches, assess awareness levels, and examine their effects on outcomes. A purposive survey was conducted in Oyo State, targeting 110 registered construction professionals (architects, engineers, builders, and quantity surveyors). Of 70 questionnaires administered, 50 were retrieved (71% response rate). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) via SPSS, with responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The analysis reveal that Respondents, predominantly male accounting for 56%, and the while 42% falls within the age of 25-30years, The majority of respondents have between 5-10year’s of working experience with 44%, indicating the need for targeted interventions. The findings also shows that Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions and professional body certificates has the highest means score and they are the most prevalent training approaches,Awareness is highest for TVET and NGO-led programs while mentor-ship rank lowest in awareness. Training significantly enhances project quality, particularly in reducing errors, defects and improving durability-though cost-effectiveness remains challenge. The study concludes that improving artisan skill requires government investment in TVET policy reforms through bodies like Nigeria institute of building (NIOB) and council of registered builders in Nigeria (CORBON) along with certification scheme to standardize artisan qualifications and promote industry efficiency. Recommendations include government investment in TVET, policy reforms via bodies like NIOB and CORBON, and a national certification scheme to standardize skills. These measures could foster sustainable project delivery and economic growth in Nigeria’s construction sector.