AN APPRAISAL OF ACADEMIC TRAINING OF NIGERIAN QUANTITY SURVEYORS FOR VALUE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE: A CASE STUDY OF NUHU BAMALLI POLYTECHNIC, ZARIA

ABSTRACT This study appraises the academic training of Nigerian Quantity Surveyors for Value Management (VM) practice, with a specific focus on Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria. The research was motivated by the increasing demand for value-driven approaches in construction projects, contrasting with persistent challenges of poor cost management, delays, and limited application of VM principles in Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting ND II and HND students in the Quantity Surveying Department. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic methods. Findings revealed that while 70% of students were aware of VM, more than half rated their understanding as low, highlighting a significant gap between awareness and practical competence. Training was found to be predominantly theoretical, with minimal exposure to workshops, seminars, and industrybased learning. The study concluded that current VM training is insufficient to prepare graduates for industry demands, largely due to curriculum gaps, inadequate practical exposure, and a shortage of certified facilitators. It recommended the integration of a dedicated practical VM course, lecturer capacity building, stronger industry-academia collaboration, the use of modern VM tools, and nationwide curriculum reform by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and professional bodies in bridging the gap between theory and practice, ensuring Nigerian Quantity Surveyors are globally competitive and capable of driving value optimization in construction projects