Abstract
The study examined the strategies for enhancing utilization of computer numeric
control (CNC) machines for implementation of Industrial Technical Education
(ITE) programmes in public Universities of Enugu state, Nigeria. Specifically the
study determined ways ITE lecturers utilize CNC machines in instructional
activities; challenges that militate against utilization of CNC machines; and ways
for ameliorating to the challenges. Three research questions and three hypotheses
guided the study. Survey design was used. Population for the study was made up
of 68 ITE educators which comprised 35 lecturers and 33 instructors. Instrument
for data collection was questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean, standard
deviation and t-test. Findings the study include identified 14 ways ITE lecturers
utilize CNC machines in instructional activities. These include, CNC machine finds
application in a variety of industries and materials used in ITE, CNC is a vast
improvement over non-computerized machining in ITE programme, ITE staff uses
CNC machines to create complex designs with high accuracy and others. Other
findings are 10 challenges that militate against the utilization of CNC machine.
These include, poor awareness of the importance of CNC machines and operation,
resistance to change pedagogical practices in ITE programme, influence of teachers
culture and school culture, and others. Also 12 ways for ameliorating to the
challenges were indentified. These include, there should be awareness of CNC
machine operations in ITE programme, ITE stakeholders should invest into CNC
training programme, there should be empowerment of learners in CNC machines,
among others. It was recommended, among other things, that (ITE) stakeholders
should collectively join hands in providing in-service training for (ITE) educators
for effectual utilization of (CNC) machines and implementation of ITE
programmes in universities.