Building Information Modelling Uptake: Tool Training in Nigeria

Abstract

Computer Aided Design software and their kind are generally considered as Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools; moreover the sophistication level of one determines its maturity level. Education and research are the background to innovation while training is a window to continuity in skills transfer. The BIM uptake in the developing countries is significantly lagging behind; amongst various reasons is the lack of trained professionals. Experts are evolving from the industry professionals who are first trained in the university. This study determined the capacity of Nigerian universities in providing BIM tools training for BIM adoption in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC). The study is quantitative in nature, with the primary data collected through a structured questionnaire survey within the built environment and engineering schools of Nigerian universities. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The institutions are physically ready with relatively sufficient hardware, however technically not ready due to insufficiency of up to date software. There is a significant correlation between software availability and proficiency level of training, while no correlation between academic qualification and the training proficiency. More than 70% of the students are graduating on ‘file based collaboration’ – 2D and 3D CAD knowledge with proficiency level between limited and practical application. However, the collaborative software training received proficiency level of basic to practical application; a 13% trained on collaboration software is very little to providing experts for the industry. This reveals a clear setback in the tools training to carter for the BIM uptake in the country.

What are the Barriers and Drivers Toward BIM Adoption in Nigeria?

“…In the UK lack of expertise is attributed to the underperformance of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with mostly low levels of engagement with the industry [49]. While in Nigeria, students are generally trained on 'file based collaboration' -2D and 3D CAD and HEIs are not technically ready to offer BIM training at all [50].…”

Enhancing building information modelling (BIM) training in Nigerian polytechnics: towards sustainable development in Southeast Nigeria

“…Structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents that comprised the academic staff in the departments, the architectural technologists that graduated from the schools and are in active professional practice and the architectural firms that employ these graduates within Southeast Nigeria. Based on the forgoing, this study adopted the format of the evaluation stated in the literature [36] in the following format:  The data on CADD proficiency was a three point rating scale: 1-none (no technical mastery of software package), 2-basic proficiency (elementary technical mastery of software package), 3-expert proficiency (full technical and creative mastery of software package).  The data variables on relevance of the course contents was evaluated on a five point likert scale: 1-strongly disagree, 2-disagree, 3-uncertain, 4-agree, 5-strongly agree.…”

Macro-BIM Adoption Study: Establishing Nigeria’s BIM Maturity

“…This research has been working to establish the BIM maturity within the Nigerian AEC industry for about 2 years. This has been attained through direct contact with Higher Education Institutions [18]; direct contact with the construction professionals (in the last 5 months of 2018); and direct discussions with some industry stakeholders [16].…”

“…This program (initiated in 2018) is serving as a medium to create awareness and training to students of higher institutions. Although, the rudimentary training can increase awareness; however, some of the critical issues that will subsequently arrive are the availability of up to date software and BIM expert for training as multi-disciplinary class [18]. The organisational BIM adoption represents discrete approaches that need profound consultations with the professional stakeholders to confirm the level of execution, successes and challenges.…”