Strategies for Enhancing Technical College Training in Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for Global Employability Among Motor Vehicle Mechanic Work (MVMW) Students in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing integration of electronic control technologies into modern motor vehicles has transformed the competency requirements of motor vehicle technicians worldwide. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems have largely replaced conventional carburetor-based fuel delivery systems due to their superior fuel efficiency, enhanced engine performance, reduced emissions, and improved diagnostic capabilities. Consequently, the global motor vehicle industry demands technicians who possess competencies in electronic diagnostics, computerized engine management systems, sensor technology, and digital troubleshooting. This study investigated strategies for enhancing technical college training in Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for global employability among Motor Vehicle Mechanic Work (MVMW) students in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 455 Tech III MVMW students, consisting of 440 males and 15 females, drawn from five government technical colleges in Lagos State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Electronic Fuel Injection Employability Enhancement Questionnaire (EFIEEQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Motor Vehicle Technology Education and Measurement and Evaluation, while a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.86 was obtained, indicating high internal consistency. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while independent samples t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were employed to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that competencies in OBD scanner operation, ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injector servicing, and digital fault interpretation are essential for global employability. The study further identified inadequate facilities, poor funding, obsolete curriculum content, and insufficient teacher competence as major constraints to effective EFI training. The study concluded that curriculum modernization, teacher retraining, workshop modernization, industry collaboration, and the provision of modern diagnostic equipment are critical for improving students' employability and competitiveness in the global motor vehicle workforce. It was recommended that government agencies, technical colleges, and motor vehicle industries collaborate to strengthen EFI instructional delivery and align training with contemporary industry demands