Abstract:
Skill acquisition is a growing concern in Nigeria due to socio-economic circumstances and a glut
in the labour market which predisposes people to alternatives such as self-employment and a
refocus on the care for the environment. Diverse by-products of the self-employed artisans have
varied effects on the environment, hence the need to establish how their training affects their
environmental practices. The study is a descriptive survey of learners and facilitators in five skill
set areas from different skill acquisition programmes in Lagos. The research set out to document
the nature of waste output and level of environmental awareness of the participants and
facilitators, as well as the effect of training on environmental practices. The study was premised
on Botha and Atkins’ (2005) theory of adoption of innovation. Three research questions on
artisans’ typical output, disposal practices, and effect on the environment, along with the influence
of facilitators’ training guided the study. A total of 250 participants were selected using stratified
and proportionate random sampling techniques. The Questionnaire, Key Informant Interview
sessions, and Observation Schedule were used for data collection and analysed quantitatively
and qualitatively using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings revealed a low level of
incorporation of environmental awareness into skill training programmes and the gap in teacher
training. It was recommended that both adult learners and facilitators be appropriately trained and
equipped to effectively tackle 21st-century problems.
