UPSKILLING OF UPHOLSTERY MAKING SKILLS AMONG STUDENT OF

TECHNICAL COLLEGES FOR SELF EMPLOYMENT IN LAGOS STATE

BY

ALEMOH PHILLIP GOODLUCK

160320004

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATION UNIT, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, YABA

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, FACULTY OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF
LAGOS IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD
OF A BACHELOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION.

OCTOBER, 2021

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 CERTIFICATION

I certify that this research work was carried out by Alemoh Phillip Goodluck, with

matriculation number 160320004 under my supervision and that it is adequate as a project for

Bachelor of Education in Technology Education.

______________________ ___________________________
DR. I.O SHOBOWALE DATE
SUPERVISOR

_______________________ _________________________
PROF.S.A ADEYEMO DATE
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

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 DEDICATION
I dedicate this project to God Almighty my creator, my strong pillar, my source of inspiration,

wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He has been the source of my strength throughout this

project.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My sincere gratitude also goes to my beloved supervisor DR. SHOBOWALE, Ishola

Olukayode for his corrections, patience, advises and time, may God bless you richly.

Also, to my H.O.D. Prof. S.A Adeyemo, and my ever supportive lecturers.

My sincere appreciation also goes to my parent, Mr. and Mrs. Alemoh G. for their prayers,
financial and moral support, during the course of my undergraduate program. May God bless you
richly.

Also thanks to my extraordinary siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and other members of the
family thanks for your support and love.

Shout out to my friends, Michael Owari Owuo (Stormzy), Christopher Maurice Brown and
Messi (Greatest) for the impacts, influence, encouragement and contribution in good and bad
times.

Also to my colleagues, Oladiji, Stanley, Tolu, Lillian, Korede, Yomisavage, Teniola, Tife, Stolze
Bande, Serps & Scorps, I am really thankful to them.

Finally my profound gratitude goes to the Almighty God for the complete successful journey.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the Study 1

1.1 Statement of the problem 2

1.2 Purpose of the study 3

1.3 Research Questions 4

1.4 Research Hypotheses 4

1.5 Significant of the Study 5

1.6 Scope of study 6

1.7 Limitation of the Study 6

1.8 Key Definition of Terms 6

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction 9

2.1 Theoretical/ Conceptual Frame work 9

2.2 Upholstery Making in Technical Colleges 18

2.3 Concept of Upholstery Making and Self-Employment 19

2.4 Upholstery Making Skills Required Among Students of Technical Colleges 22

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2.5 Review of Related Empirical Studies 26

2.6 Summary of Review Literature 28

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction 29

3.1 Design of the Study 29

3.2 Area of the Study 29

3.3 Population for the Study 30

3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique 30

3.5 Instrument for Data Collection 30

3.6.1 Validation of the Instrument 31

3.6.2 Reliability of the Instrument 31

3.7 Method of Data Collection 32

3.8 Method of Data Analysis 32

CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF DATA AND RESULT OF ANALYSIS

4.0 Introduction
4.1 Presentation of data and result of analysis
4.2 Hypothesis Testing

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Summary
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
ABSTRACT
REFERENCES

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7
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the Study

Technical colleges are regarded as the principal vocational institutions in Nigeria that give

full vocational training intended to prepare students for entry into the various occupations

(Okoro, 1993). Technical colleges are meant to provide technical and vocational training that

will equip the students with relevant skills that will prepare them for uncertainties associated

with job security. According to Baba, Peter and Bala (2017), technical vocational education and

training is the most reliable vehicle for self-sustenance, economic prosperity and political

supremacy of a nation over others. According to Okorie (2001), technical colleges are

established to prepare students to acquire practical skills and basic scientific knowledge.

Abdulkadir (2011) claimed that the responsibilities of technical colleges include: provision of

full time or part-time courses of instruction and training in technology, applied science and

commerce, in such other field of applied learning, relevant to the needs of the development in the

areas of industrial, commercial and vocational agriculture, professional studies in woodwork

trades, among others and pursue further education in advance-craft/technical programme and in

post-secondary institutions such as polytechnics, colleges of education (technical) and

universities.

Several subjects are being taken in Technical colleges which are centred on

craft/engineering trades and agriculture which includes Agric- Mechanisation, Motor-mechanics,

Building Construction, Electrical Installation, Metalwork, Plumbing, and Woodwork among

others (Muhammad, Yahaya & Hassan 2019). Aniedi (2018) state that one of the important

subject being offer in technical college is Upholstering and uphoping making.

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 Upholstery making is referred to as activity that involved skills for the production and

servicing of wooden articles (Muhammad etal, 2019). Upholstery making is the art of producing

functional cushioned or padded sitting furniture for homes and offices (Plumbs, 2015),

Upholstery making involves the skills in: upholstery design, hand tools handling and car-case

construction webbing, cording, padding and covering with fabric (Usoro, 2018), It expected that

graduates of upholstery should have the robust knowledge to secure a job immediately after

graduation from technical college, An upholstery maker graduates from technical college in the

opinion of Okwori, Adamu, and Odo (2013) should be capable of independent work; they should

be able to interpret technical drawing; perform all the calculations relating to his or her trade; and

have sufficient knowledge of elementary science to understand the materials in which he or she

works with. Okwori etal further state that the training in technical colleges should be geared

towards securing employment at the end of the programme as craftsmen; set up their own

businesses; and pursue further education in advanced craft technical programme or in tertiary

technical institutions. To give a mastery and competency of upholstery activities, teaching and

learning must be effective, it is also expected that the skill must be geared up to for wider scope

and also to make a mark of efficiency for those that will be offering the job to the individual

involved and that has necessitated the need to conduct this research.

1.1 Statement of the Problem

Upholstery skill involve the ability to use wood to design the desirable furniture for either

home or office use. Students of Technical colleges require this skill to justify their purposes of

studying this subject and it is also line within the jurisdiction of their teachers to ensure that the

students are not just to learn this skill to pass their internal or NABTEB exam, but to get the

require skill that will stand them out in securing job especially in the era where skills are

9
becoming more relevant than certificate in getting “non white collar job”. This is the reason why

upholstering is being taught as in all technical colleges in Lagos State to impact adequate

knowledge, skills, values and attitudes in the students to enable them function successfully in the

world of work. The teacher of this technical colleges may not actually inculcate the some

valuable skills of upholstery like padding and fabric covering to the students due to many factors

which may include teachers’ level of incompetency, paucity of time for practical, lack of

equipment, students attitude etc. This has snowballed into having most graduate students of

upholstery to be without job either looking for other prospect job or engaging in other non-

fulfilling job like “okada” or tricycle riding job etc in order to get daily survival while many are

involved in deviant attitude by that are antisocial, delinquent, wrongful, aggressive, self-

destructing, and suicidal. It is on this backdrop that this study will be investigating upskillng of

upholstering furniture making skills among students of technical colleges for job creation in

Lagos State.

1.2 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to examine the upskilling needs of technical college

students in upholstery making skills for job creation in Lagos State, Specifically, the study

sought to:

1. Determine the upholstery computer aid design and drafting skills needs, of technical

college students for self-employment.

2. Ascertain the upholstery framing skills needs of technical college students for self-

employment.

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 3. Determine the upholstery padding skills needs of technical college students for self-

employment.

4. Examine the upholstery fabric covering skills needs of technical college students for self-

employment.

1.3 Research Questions

The following research questions were posed to guide the study.

1. What are the upholstery computer aided design and drafting skills needs of technical

college students for self-employment?

2. What are the upholstery framing skills need of technical college students for self-

employment?

3. What are the upholstery padding skills needs of technical college students?

4. What are the upholstery fabric covering skills needs of technical college students for self-

employment?

1.4 Research Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance:

Ho1: There is no significant difference between the mean responses of teachers and students on

the upholstery computer aided design and drafting skills need of technical college students for

self-employment.

Ho2: There is no significant difference between the mean responses of teachers and students in

upholstery framing skills need of technical college students for self-employment.

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Ho3: There is no significant difference between the mean responses of teachers and students on

padding skills need of technical college students for self-employment.

Ho4: There is no significant difference between the mean responses of teachers and students on

upholstery fabric covering skills needs of technical college students for self-employment.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study may be considered significant in a number of ways: it will be a source of

motivation to students of technical college to understand reasons why their knowledge of

acquiring skills in upholstering furniture is important and it will gear them to be more committed

to their commitment in their bid to acquiring knowledge and skill that will make them self-

reliance after graduation from technical college.

The findings will be helpful to the teachers of upholstering furniture to put more effort in

their teaching for the students to get the best of knowledge and skills having understand the

scarcity of “white collar” job, knowing fully well that students skill upholstering furniture can

earn them a living.

Findings may also provide the management of technical colleges with a feedback on of

the unavailability of equipment required to have effective upholstering furniture practical class.

The outcome of this study will be able to sensitize Lagos State Vocational and Technical

Education Board (LASVEB) and educators as well as government and educational

administrators with empirical data on the overall information on the level of availability of tools,

equipment in relationship with students’ performance in upholstering furniture.

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 The result of the study will also identify and acknowledge the implication of learning

technical subject with abstract that are deficient of practical work and its effect in securing

employment.

Finally, the results of the study would also contribute to the pool of research in the area of

technical and vocational education.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study tends to investigate Upskillng of upholstering furniture making skills among

students of technical colleges for job creation in Lagos State. The focus of this study is on all

technical colleges in Lagos which according to Shobowale (2007) include: Federal Science and

technical college-Yaba; Government Technical College Odomala-Epe; Government Technical

College Ikotun; Government Technical College-Ikorodu; Government Technical College-

Agidingbi; and Government Technical College, Adosoba.

1.7 Limitation of the Study

Since this research is to elicit vital information through primary source of data collections

from the teachers and students of the technical colleges , the challenge of restrictions of released

of information is inevitable because many of the teachers and students normally exercise fear of

exposing the school confidential matters but with the official routing of procedures for releasing

such information which has a convincing stance that it for academic purpose alone and not for

commercial reasons.

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1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Employable Skill: Noordin (2014) defines Employability skills are a set of skills

needed for success in the 21st century world of work for employment sustainability. (Noordin,

2014).

According to Ismail & Mohammed, (2015) sees employability skill as the core skill that

are in demand to get engage for employment. Employable Skill is a set of achievement, skills,

understanding and personal attributes that makes graduates more likely to gain employment and

be successful in their chosen, occupations, which benefits themselves, the workforce, the

community and the economy” (Knight & Yorke, 2004).

Upskilling is the ability of learner to increase their learning competencies, by enhancing

their skills to a higher grade in order to be employable in the industry (Aniedi & Utuk 2018).

According to Vinayan, Harikirishanan, & Ling (2020), Upskilling is producing a high skill

workforce in to promote knowledge-based skills in various sectors of economy. Upskilling

pathways is about pulling together resources and creating the right synergies for gearing every

(low-skilled) adult towards an individual path to empowerment.

Students according to Skinner (1984) is anyone whose changes in the behavior which

result of regularities in the environment of that organism. According to Brockett & Roger (1994),

Students are anyone learning as a personal act to make full use of his potential. It is a process of

self-actualization to its maximum level. According to Driscoll (2000), Students are those that are

experiencing continuous change in human performance or performance potential.

Upholstery is that area of woodwork where the students’ skills and knowledge in the use

of material with wood machines for the preparation for joinery and furniture works (Onaga,

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2015). Upholstery according to Shobowale, Oladipo & Ayeoribe (2020) is the transformation of

wood and other materials to produce items furniture-tables, chairs, shelves, kitchen and

bathroom cabinets and upholstered furniture in a home, Agbo (2000) opined that Upholstery is

deal with woodwork and involve engaging both teachers and students in theory and practical

work.

Upholstery making according to Aniedi & Utuk (2018), Upholstery making is the art of

producing functional cushioned for homes and offices. According White, (2011), Upholstery

making is any act that involves the skills in upholstery design, hand tools handling and car-case

construction, webbing, cording, padding and covering with fabric According to Okwori (2012),

Upholstery making is a study given to students in Technical Colleges to promote a deliberate

sustainable development and poverty reduction becomes and intervention plans to bring about

learning which could make the students to be more productive in areas of economic sector,

occupational and specific work Technical college according to Akpan (2016) are institutions of

learning at the secondary level of Nigeria educational system. Akerele (2007) define Technical

College as the institution where learners are exposes to the acquisition of demonstrable skills

building and skill identity, which ultimately becomes a means of livelihood. Okoro (1993) views

Technical College are regarded as the principal vocational institutions in Nigeria that give full

vocational training intended to prepare students for entry into the various occupations.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the relevant literature review for this study. The review of
literature for this study is organized under the following headings and sub-headings.

2.1 Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework

2.2 Upholstery Making in Technical Colleges

2.3 Concept of Upholstery Making and Self-Employment

2.4 Upholstery Making Skills Required among Students of Technical Colleges

 Upholstery Making Framing Skills Needs of Technical Colleges Students for Self-

Employment

 Upholstery Making Padding Skills Needs of Technical Colleges Students for Self-

Employment

 Upholstery Making Covering Skills Needs of Technical Colleges Students for Self-

Employment

2.5 Review of Related Empirical Studies

2.6 Summary of Review Literature

2.1 Theoretical Framework

Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and to challenge

and extend existing knowledge within the limits of critical bounding assumptions.

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 The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research

study. Theoretical framework is used and lies in the fact that knowledge and skills are

constructed in the mind of learners. (Dawson, Forster & Reid 2006)

A theoretical framework comprises of theories expressed by experts in the field of what

you plan to research on, it provides a guide for your data analysis and interpretation of results.

Theoretical framework summarizes concept and theories, which helps to develop from previously tested

and published knowledge which synthesize a theoretical background, basis for data interpretation of the

meaning contained in your research data. Theoretical frame- work is the structure that can hold a theory

of a research study (Swanson 2013). It is a synthesis in your field of research, as they relate to your

proposed research. Moreover, theoretical frame- work contains what leaders in your field of research may

say about your research question, about the findings to a problem, and suggestions of how to solve them,

and also to interpret the findings in your data.

2.1.1 Theory of Skill Acquisition

Skill can be defined as the voluntary control over movements of joints and body segments

in an effort to solve a motor skill problem and achieve a task goal. It is the art of learning to do

something in other to earn a living or to be self-employed. Skill Acquisition is a theory of

development of the development of language, rather it is a general theory of learning ranging

from cognitive to psychomotor skills (Mystkowska- Wiertelak & Pawlak, 2012). This theory,

which is based on Adaptive Control of Thought model (ACT), claims that adults commence

learning something through mainly explicit processes, and, through subsequent sufficient

practice and exposure, proceed to implicit processes (Vanpatten & Benati, 2010). Skill is the

ability to acquire practical knowledge in new conditions and on the basis of the abilities and

17
experiences a person had previously. Skill acquisition is the process of the process of mastering

skills characterized by applying them in particular situations. It is the possibility to learn.

A skill is an activity, which is developed by a person with time and becomes automatic in

terms of performing it. A certain skill can be considered acquired when a person can perform it

without thinking about the technique of performing this action or dividing a process into

conventional parts.

Skill acquisition in Nigeria is even more important taking into account the levels of

unemployment. Let’s try to figure out more about different types of skill acquisition and come up

with an approximate list of skill acquisition that will help you to get a job and build a career in

Nigeria. Let’s try to figure out more about different types of skill acquisition and come up with

an approximate list of skill acquisition that will help you to be self-employed and build a career

in Nigeria. Skill is the ability to acquire practical knowledge in new conditions and on the basis

of the abilities and experiences a person had previously. Skill acquisition is the process of the

process of mastering skills characterized by applying them in particular situations, it is the

possibility to learn. Skill Acquisition is defined as a teleonomic process that involves continual

adjustment. The reason for it was because the process is adapted to the environment. The entire

life is based on skills acquisition, which is the constant process. We are getting involved in the

skill acquisition processes from the time we learn how to walk as toddlers. With time, the set of

skills just jet more complex with time and becomes automatic in terms of performing it. A

certain skill can be considered acquired when a person can perform it without thinking about the

technique of performing this action or dividing a process into conventional parts. Skill

acquisition definition In fact, skill stands for some action that: is generated over time and brought

to automatism. Skill is acquired when it is considered to be formed, if a person does not think,

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how to act, does not share the action on the parts, but simply makes it. A number of small

movements merge into one.

Skill acquisition is the interdisciplinary science specific to the knowledge of and about

voluntary control over body segments and joint movements to solve a motor skill. According to

Speelman and Krisner (2005). Skill acquisition is a specific form of learning. It will be sufficient

to define the learning as the representation of information in memory concerning some

environmental or cognitive event. Thus, learning refers to an organism storing something about

its past in memory. Skill acquisition refers to a form of prolonged learning about family of

events. DeKeysers’s skill acquisition theory (1998) states that in other to develop true fluency in

proficiency, learners must have opportunities to create pragmatic meaning.

Accordingly implicit knowledge arises out of explicit knowledge, when the latter is

proceduralized through practice Ellis (2009). . The definition of skill is vague. As defined by

Vanpatten & Benati (2010) Skill refers to ability to do rather than underlying competence or

mental representation". To clarify this concept, Cornford (1996) has mentioned nine separate

defining attributes of “skill” and “skilled” performance" from a psychological perspective,

argued to be the most valid in accounting for skill acquisition and performance by individuals.

These defining attributes are: skill is learned, skill involves motivation, purpose and goals, skills

require content and context knowledge, skills are performed and transferred in the presence of

specific stimuli.

Skill acquisition is a type of learning in which repetition results in enduring changes in an

individual's capability to perform a specific task. Any behavior that needs to be learned and that

is improved by practice can be considered to be a skill. The researchers argued that performance

19
could not progress to a higher level until attention was freed by the automatization of lower level

responses within a hierarchy of habits. Many factors influence skill acquisition. The difficulty of

the skill to be acquired, and the availability of information or the form in which the

information is available, play a significant role in the process. Information about potential

movement solutions can be acquired by instructions or guidance from an external agent or by

observation or modeling. Skill Acquisition is the learning and mastering of special abilities in

any type of profession. A skilled worker is one who is highly proficient in his/her trade or a

person who has attained excellence in a particular or vocation. Skill acquisition can be defined as

the form of training by individuals or group of individuals that can lead to acquisition of

knowledge for self-sustenance. It involves the training of people in different fields of trade under

a legal agreement between the trainers and the trainees for certain duration and under certain

conditions. Ochiagha (1995) defined skill acquisition as the process of demonstrating the habit of

active thinking or behavior in a specific activity. He further stated that skill acquisition is seen as

the ability to do or perform an activity that is related to some meaningful exercise, work or job.

He maintains that for skill to be acquired, appropriate knowledge, attitudes, habits of thought and

qualities of character are learnt to enable the acquirer develop intellectual, emotional and moral

character which prepares him or her for a brighter future.

2.1.2 Theory of Self-Employment

Self-employment is the state of working for oneself rather than an employer. Generally,

tax authorities will view a person as self-employed if the person chooses to be recognised as

such, or is generating income such that the person is required to file a tax return under legislation

in the relevant jurisdiction. In the real world, the critical issue for the taxing authorities is not that

the person is trading but is whether the person is profitable and hence potentially taxable. In

20
other words, the activity of trading is likely to be ignored if no profit is present, so occasional

and hobby- or enthusiast-based economic activity is generally ignored by authorities. Self-

employed people generally find their own work rather than being provided with work by an

employer, earning income from a profession, a trade or a business that they operate. In some

countries, governments such as those of the United States and the United Kingdom are placing

more emphasis on clarifying whether an individual is self-employed or engaged in disguised

employment, often described as the pretense of a contractual intra-business relationship to hide

what is otherwise a simple employer-employee relationship. A self-employed individual can be

defined as an independent worker that conducts business or professional activities for his own

benefit. In other words, it can be identified as a person that works on his behalf and not directly

hired by a third party. Self-employment is becoming more and more common nowadays since

there’s a whole movement towards entrepreneurship. The definition of self-employed covers an

ample range of activities but overall, for a person to be considered self-employed it should meet

these two characteristics: number one which his primary income is earned from self-made

activities and number two, that he conducts himself independently, this means, he makes his own

choices about where and when to work. Business owners, independent contractors, accountants,

financial advisers, insurance agents, among many other professionals are commonly self-

employed. This means that even if they have a contractual relationship with a company they are

fully independent and free to make decisions about their workflow and responsibilities. Self-

employment has many advantages like flexible schedules, a highest cut on the profits and self-

selected vacation periods but there are advantages and disadvantages. For example, self-

employed individuals are more susceptible to economic shifts, since they don’t have a regular,

fixed stream of income. This means that they might suffer a lot from an economic downturn in

21
their industry or overall. The term “self-employed” means that someone earns money by working

for themselves instead of for another person or company. In other words, it’s like being a one-

person business.

Self-employment is the act of generating one's income directly from a consumer as

opposed to being an employee of a business. Self-employed people generally find their own

work rather than being provided with work by an employer, earning income from a trade or

business that they operate. Generally tax authorities will view a person as self-employed if the

person chooses to be recognized as such, or is generating income such that the person is required

to file a tax return under legislation that subsists in the relevant jurisdiction. In the real world the

critical issue for the taxing authorities is not is the person trading but is the person profitable In

other words the activity of trading is likely to be ignored if no profit is present. So, occasional

and hobby- or enthusiast-based economic activity is generally ignored by authorities. Self-

employed people generally find their own work rather than being provided with work by an

employer, earning income from a trade or business that they operate. In some countries

governments are placing more emphasis on clarifying whether an individual is self-employed or

engaged in disguised employment, often described as the pretense of a contractual intra-business

relationship to hide what is otherwise a simple employer-employee relationship.

The definition of self-employment is ‘starting and running a successful business or social

enterprise. Many famous companies began this way as visionary men and women patented an

invention, created a company or registered a brand. Although an excellent business idea plays a

key role in the ultimate success of a business the application of the idea will ultimately decide its

fate. Self-employment also opens up opportunities for individuals who would prefer not to work

22
for a traditional employer due to personal circumstances. Self-employment is the process of

earning money from your own endeavours, instead of being employed by someone else.

Self-employed individuals go by different names, such as freelancers, independent

contractors, and small business owners. All in all, employment isn’t for everyone. If you’re one

of these people, you might agree with businessman and speaker Farrah Gray, who said, “Build

your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.”

There are tons of advantages to self-employment, too. Many people enjoy being self-

employed because they can be their own boss, have a flexible schedule self-employment is

sometimes the only option if you wish to pursue a specific career path.

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 SCHEMA FOR CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

TECHNICAL COLLEGES

UPHOLSTERY MAKING SKILLS REQUIRED AMONG

THE STUDENTS

UPHOLSTERY MAKING UPHOLSTERY MAKING UPHOLSTERY MAKING

FRAMING PADDING COVERING
SKILLS NEEDS OF SKILLS NEEDS OF SKILLS NEEDS OF
TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL
COLLEGES STUDENTS COLLEGES STUDENTS COLLEGES STUDENTS
FOR FOR FOR
SELF-EMPLOYMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT

STUDENTS OF TECHNICAL COLLEGES

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework of the study (Phillip, 2021)

2.1.1 Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework describes the phenomenon of new venture creation (Gartner, W.

B. (1985). It can be defined as a conceptual framework as a visual or written product, one that

“explains, either graphically or in narrative form, the main things to be studied the key factors,

concepts, or variables and the presumed relationships among Miles and Huberman (1994).

Conceptual framework is the system of concepts, assumptions, expectations, beliefs, and theories

that supports and informs your research is a key part of your design (Miles & Huberman, 1994;

Robson, 2011

24
2.2 Upholstery Making in Technical Colleges

Technical colleges in Nigeria have trained and still training young people to become

good upholstery makers and makes them to be successful entrepreneurs. This training qualifies

them for jobs in both public and private sectors of the economy. Before the advent of British in

Nigeria, many communities and cultures had developed their own system of informal, formal

and vocational educational system. Upholstery making in technical college was done through the

system of practical, whereby young boys and men were attached to craftsmen where they learned

various trades and skill such as carpentry, masonry, blacksmith, carving, textile design,

upholstery making, plumbing, catering, dyeing and welding and fabrication etc.Upholstery is

basically one of the areas of interest in Technical College that helps nations become developed

by increasing the Gross Domestic Product per capital. Nevertheless, value system has changed

the school contents, methods, and approaches to teaching-learning. The likes of Omar, Khuan,

Kamaruzaman, Awango, and Jamal (2011) maintained the introduction of technology related

course “upholstery” in technical college as a novelty in the educational sector has transformed

the trend and profile of students; created new needs in knowledge and technology areas; and

modified the roles and function of schools, making them more challenging than ever before.

Therefore, it is an avenue for students to learn working principles, functions, simple routing

maintenance and methods of knowing the objectives, skills, types, advantages and disadvantages,

materials, equipment and tools used in upholstery. Youths after going to study upholstery

making as a course in technical college come out as successful degree holders and will be able to

start their journey as entrepreneurs or maybe get a contract to upholsterer for people.

25
2.3 Concept of Upholstery Making and Self-Employment

The term upholstery refers to the materials used to upholster something, it comes from a

middle English word “upholder” meaning to hold which is referred to as an artisan who makes

fabric furnishings. It is the work of providing furniture especially seats with padding, springs,

webbing, framing and fabric or leather covers. Upholstery is equally applicable to domestic,

automobile, airplane and marine furniture can be applied to mattresses, particularly the upper

layers, through these often differ significantly in design. An upholsterer is a person who works

with upholstery. It is the act, art or trade or trade of working with furniture. It is the process of

making or designing something using materials and furniture. Upholstery is something we can’t

do without today because it serves a need of comfortable living and working. Spacemen require

upholstery to lie upon. Air travelers’ firm the pride of themselves on the comfort of their sitting;

office workers use upholstered seats instead of the hard-wooden seats.

Upholstery is the soft covering provided on chairs and seats to make them more

comfortable to sit on. It is the work of providing furniture, especially seats and backs. Upholstery

is also defined as a soft, padded textile covering that is fixed to furniture such as armchairs and

sofas. Upholstery was originated in the 18th-century London their role was to provide upholstery

and textiles and the fittings for funerals. It is also a skilled practice of occupation that deals with

cushioning. Upholstery is a profitable business among few woodworkers in across the world

especially in Nigeria, who are still in the trade despite societal poor image that is ascribed to the

trade. This societal poor image on upholstery as a trade, no doubt could be responsible for low

self-esteem usually suffered by the practitioners of the trade, which may have resulted in the

26
societal view of the trade as unattractive. There are many reasons for which people discontinue

with their chosen career or area of studies. Among these are; lack of financial means, parental

unemployment, lack of communication at home, low self-esteem, lack of future perspective and

lack of moral support. The best way to reverse this trend is to bring out the entrepreneurial side

of the person. Upholstery can serve can serve as a good source of income because everything we

do in this modern age needs upholstery in our various homes, offices, means of transportation

and so on. It gives a good comfort and relaxation to us as a person. Upholstery which is

categorized under woodwork is on, the major trade components of the curriculum of Technical

and Vocational Education. To a layman, Upholstery is derogatorily referred to as cut and join

technology, but Upholstery require skills and business opportunities abound in the trades. It

emphasizes learning by doing through cognitive and psychomotor skill. Upholstery is one of the

developing entrepreneurial skill that is curbing youth out of unemployment and reducing poverty

rate. Like every other practical oriented trades, upholstery require skills and business

opportunities abound irrespective to other trades.

Upholstery on its own is for both old and young, men and women. Anybody can

specialize in it because it is a specialized vocational skill that entails the art of crafting and

restoring fine furniture with quality details such as diamond tufting, top stitching, channels,

webbing, coil springs, ultra-cell foam and padding. For high-end pieces, upholstery may include

a designer brand, fabrics or leather. With upholstery today, some upholsterers can make use of

the same materials as their early predecessors, such as leather, linen, and coil springs. However,

Dacron, foam, cotton padding, faux leather and other synthetic materials have replaced animal

hair (cow, horse, sheep and hog), hay and straw. Upholstery fabrics include; nylon, damask,

leather, burlap, denim, satin, sateen, muslin and moiré. It can apply to both new, custom-made

27
furniture that needs fitted with the appropriate materials or used furniture. In this case the craft is

referred to as reupholster and can serve for several purposes: to restore furniture in need of

repair, to make furniture more comfortable, and to restyle furniture. Upholstery involves the

technicality of operations that must be carried out systematically in the production of flow line

(Walton, 2000).

Upholstery Types

There are three (3) different forms of upholstery which include: Residential, Commercial,

and Marine.

Residential Upholstery

Also referred to as traditional or domestic upholstery, residential upholstery applies to

furniture from individual residences. People who have something very specific in mind often

seek out upholsterers to build furniture that is custom-tailored to them specific needs or taste.

Residential items that may benefit from upholstery may include: chairs, couches/sofas, ottoman,

cushions, dining room and kitchen seating, outdoor patio draperies.

Commercial Upholstery

This type of upholstery extends the services of residential upholstery to a number of

different commercial markets, such as hospitality, health and fitness centers, educational

facilities, government and religious buildings. Residential upholsterers, commercial upholsterers

can help with both reupholstery and custom-tailored furniture commercial upholsterers may

create: restaurant seating, such as: chairs and bar stools, booths, banquettes, outdoor seating,

guest room, including; armchairs, headboards, sofas, waiting room, lobby, and common area

28
Marine Upholstery

Marine upholstery applies traditional services to yachts, ships and other kinds of boats.

This type of upholstery presents certain difficulties that residential and commercial upholstery do

not, the way boats are often exposed to high level of moisture, sunlight, wear and tear.

Upholsterers must choose fabrics and other materials that are mold-resistant, fade-

resistant, and durable. Marine upholstery deals with both interior and exterior including:

couches, chairs, sundeck cushions, built-in settees, marines mattresses, blinds and curtains.

2.4 Upholstery Making Skills Required Among Students of Technical Colleges

Upholstery is a specialized skilled trade that entails the art of crafting and restoring fine

furniture with quality details, such as diamond tufting, top stitching, channels, webbing, coil

springs, “ultra-cell” foam, and padding. For high-end pieces, upholsterers may opt for designer

brand fabrics or leather. Upholsterers today still use some of the same materials as their early

predecessors, such as leather, linen, and coil springs. However, dacron, foam, cotton padding,

faux leather, and other synthetic materials have replaced animal hair. The two major skills

involved in upholstery are padding and stuffing. Padding is the process of placing rubber or

plastic material or any other suitable stuffing on the web to provide comfort on the seat and the

back of upholstery. Padding is a piece of furniture that was once considered as a craft in itself

(James, 2015; Usoro, & Utuk 2017). Padding involves three distinct functions namely; placing of

insulation layer immediately over the burlap that covers the seat webbing and inside the back

29
springs, fixing the body and the shaping layer otherwise called the pad; the layer of the soft

felted material overlay prior to covering with fabric. Covering is the art of overlaying a padded

chair with fabric, or leather to give beauty, comfort and style (Utok, 2017; Usoro, Utok, 2018).

 Upholstery Making Framing Skills Needs of Technical Colleges Students for Self-

Employment

Framing is a skill involved in upholstery making. It is a piece of furniture gives the

structural support and determines the basic shape of the upholstered furniture. The frame may be

a basic piece of wooden furniture prior to its being upholstered. Like a finished piece of furniture

prior to the upholstering, the frame establishes the final quality, including its durability, and sets

limits upon the final design, padding, cushioning, or cover. Framing is the back bone and first

step of an upholstery. It is the skeleton of the upholstery, the frame is so important to the

upholstery because without the frame the upholstery is of no use to the upholstery. Frames are

made variously of solid wood, engineered wood products, a variety of polymers and metals, or a

mixture of these. Solid wood for upholstery frames may be of various kinds, including

hardwoods and softwoods. The type of wood depends upon the final piece, including function,

style, and quality. Where parts of the frame is visible afterwards; wood grades and species may

be mixed. Hardwood destined for upholstery frames is primarily air-dried. Hardwood frames for

high-end furniture is often constructed from kiln-dried mixed hardwoods. Beech, birch, white

ash, and mahogany all have acceptable combinations of strength, availability (country

dependent), workability, and cost to be superior wood products for frame making. White oak, red

oak, and American elm are good, and hard maple is an acceptable framing woods. Softwoods can

make poor frames, but are used in low end furniture manufacturing, particularly with partially

upholstered frames on larger pieces in the United States. In Scandinavia, better quality softwoods

30
are available and are used with suitable furniture making and upholstery techniques that their use

is more common in furniture of a variety of qualities. So young individuals that want to be self-

employed when it comes to upholstery making should remember framing is their top tier when

making an upholstery, it also known as the foundation, if a frame is not properly squared or

aligned, the upholstery won’t come out well, it may not last well due poor frame work.

 Upholstery Making Padding Skills Needs of Technical Colleges Students for Self-

Employment

Padding is one the skills involved in upholstery making, A soft material such as foam or

cloth used to pad or stuff something. Padding is the process of placing rubber or plastic material

or any other suitable stuffing on the web to provide comfort on the seat and the back of

upholstery. This is one of the skills involved that a self-employed upholsterer must not forget if

the Padding soft material such as foam or cloth used to pad or stuff something. Padding is the

process of placing rubber or plastic material or any other suitable stuffing on the web to provide

comfort on the seat and the back of upholstery. This is one of the skills involved that a self-

employed upholsterer must not forget if the individual wants to become good at upholstery

making, it is also important that the appropriate materials are used mybecca 36-nch-wide (5

yards) quilt batting multipurpose dacron fiber polyester wadding fabric loft upholstery

grade padding (36x15') (36 x 180) (2' x 15') are used. Padding makes the upholstery to be soft

and comfortable, without a proper padding the upholstery will not be comfortable.

Padding is a piece of furniture that was once considered as a craft. The poly is most often

used as a padding for upholstery is a bonded dacron. This poly is thermally bonded making it

very strong. Again, this comes on a roll and is 54” W and is typically more durable than what

31
you might find in a craft store. Padding serves to create a softer layer of filling on top of the rigid

stitched pad. At this stage I give great attention to reinforcing the shape, to ensure optimum

comfort and durability. Soft filling material used in cushions. An individual who wants to be

self-employed and at upholstery making, it is also important that the appropriate materials are

used.

Padding is a piece of furniture that was once considered as a craft. The poly is most often

used as a padding for upholstery is a bonded Dacron. This poly is thermally bonded making it

very strong. Again, this comes on a roll and is 54” W and is typically more durable than what

you might find in a craft store. Padding serves to create a softer layer of filling on top of the rigid

stitched pad. At this stage I give great attention to reinforcing the shape, to ensure optimum

comfort and durability. Soft filling material used in cushions.

 Upholstery Making Covering Skills Needs of Technical Colleges Students for Self-

Employment

Covering is one of the important skills in upholstery making, it is a piece of furniture

designed for sitting on, such as a chair or sofas. This is the last step in an upholstery and it is

very important that the foam is well covered and tacked properly.Covering an upholstery with

vinyl upholstery fabric is how easily the material can be kept clean. Unlike leather, which

typically requires specific types of cleaning agents to clean spills and other dirt from the surface

of the material, a wide range of common household products can be used with the vinyl. As a

self-employed upholsterer one must be able to know how to cover materials because it is the last

skill involved. If the material is not well covered the materials that have been added before

covering may fall out and the upholstery may lose its purpose that it serves. Young individuals

32
new to this skill must take note of a good covering. A bad and improper covering may result to a

bad finish, so one must do a good covering as a good upholster.

2.5 Review of Related Empirical Studies

Kareem; Ma’aji and Mohammed (2016) conducted a study on Perception of Technical

College Students on Upholstery for self-employment in Nigeria. A descriptive survey

research design was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data

from the population of 102 respondents offering upholstery in technical college. Mean and

Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions. Kuder Richardson (K-R 21)

Formula was used to determine the reliability coefficient of performance of practical skills

acquired by technical students for self-employment, students opinions towards upholstery for

self-empowerment after the programme, and extent to which study have acquired the skills.

Three research questions were postulated to guide the study. The major findings of the study

were: practical skills acquired during the course of learning is adequate for students to be self-

employed after schooling; and student perceived that upholstery would make them to be self-

employed after schooling; and student perceived that upholstery making would make them to be

self-empowered after the training. Recommendations were based on the findings of study which

include: Federal Government of Nigeria and all stakeholders should pay attention to upholstery

in particular. In general, as a means of overcoming unemployment problems among the youth in

Nigeria. Modern tools, equipment and adequate infrastructural facilities should be provided for

upholstery making. Onaga (2020) investigated the effects of improved practical skill on technical

college students in upholstery and machine for national development in ethnos based education.

33
He studied the effects of improved practical skills on technical college students tends to

determine the implication for the use of improved skills over conventional skills in teaching

students practical skills. Improvement of the value of graduates for better employability is

needed perceiving the fact of technology is changing tremendously. Two research questions

guided the study. The quasi-experimental design. Data were collected by observational method

to a population of 21 woodwork students. A task assessment schedule was developed as an

instrument by the researcher and validated by three experts. Table of specification was used to

determine the reliability of the instrument. Data were analyzed using mean scores. Mean scores

of the students were determined to answer the two research questions. The result of the study

indicates that improved practical means of teaching has high effect on the students. Among the

suggestions were that improving practical teaching should be prioritized in schools, especially in

Technical Colleges. Aniedi (2018) conducted a research on “Upskilling of Upholstery making

skills (padding and fabric covering) among technical college students for job creation in Akwa

Ibom State, Nigeria”. The main purpose of the study was to upskill the upholstery making skills

of technical college students for job creation. Specifically, the study was poised to determine the

upholstery padding skills need of technical college students for job creation, and the fabric

covering skills need of technical college students for job creation. Two research questions and

null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey design was employed for

the study. The population of study were 86 respondents. The study purposively used the total

population as the size was manageable. An 82-item questionnaire was developed and used for

the study. The instrument was validated by three experts from the technical unit of the

department of vocational education, University of Uyo. The reliability co-efficient of 0.82 was

obtained which ensured its internal consistency. Mean was used to answer the research questions

34
while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The result revealed that

upholstery padding and fabric covering skills were required for job creation. It was concluded

that the students need up skilling on these skills to be able to create jobs after graduation. Hence,

it was recommended that technical college lecturers should guide upholstery making students to

upskill their competencies in upholstery padding and covering skills by exposing them to

practical classes, field trips as well as work experiences while in school.

2.6 Summary of Review Literature

This study has been able to review that some gaps exist between upholstery making skills

and self-employment and technical colleges has been established to bridge such gaps and one of

the core subject that is relevant to the need of the society is upholstery making which has been

introduced to technical colleges in Nigeria to furnish students with required skills to be self-

employed. The study reviews two major theories that are essential which are constructivism

theory and theory of skill development and their relevance to this study. The study has been able

to review the different upholstery skills like padding and stuffing. Upholstery materials required

for upholstery were reviewed and some of the materials include: burlap, twine leg, tack, webbing

etc. Also, different types of upholstery were identified and explained which include: residential

upholstery, commercial upholstery and marine upholstery.

Finally, past related studies were empirically reviewed to understand what they have be

able to do on the subject matter to know the area of study gap for this study which has been

identified that upskilling needs in the area of upholstery making for job creation and it needs to

be in the study of context in technical colleges in Lagos State for Self-Employment.

35
36
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter contains the dissertation's research methodology. In this section, the

procedure and the method used to carry out this study in design of the study, area of study,

population of the study, sample and sampling techniques, instrument for data collection, and

validation of the instrument, reliability of the instrument, method of data collection and method

of data analysis.

3.1 Design of the Study

This study employed the descriptive survey research design. Descriptive survey research

design in the opinion of Ali (2006) uses sample of an investigation to describe and explain what

is in existence or non-existence on the present status of phenomena being investigated.

Therefore, this design is suitable because it allows the sampling of opinion of respondents and

allowed the researcher a vivid description of upskilling of upholstering making skills among

students of technical colleges for self-employment in Lagos State.

3.2 Area of Study

The study will be conducted in Lagos metropolitan city of Nigeria. Lagos. It is located in

the South-Western geopolitical zone. It is made up of four senatorial zones, twenty local

government areas and seventeen local development councils. The study is carried out in six

technical colleges owned by Lagos State government which are: Government Technical College,

Ikorodu, Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Federal Science Technical College,

37
Yaba, Government Technical College, Odomola, Epe, Government Technical College, Ado-

soba.

3.3 Population of the Study

The population of the study comprises of 143, made up seventeen 17 teachers, 6

technicians and 120 students offering furniture making in Technical Colleges in Lagos State

3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique

The sample is always smaller than the population. Firstly, a purposive sampling

technique was used to select the technical colleges in Lagos State. Secondly, random sampling

technique will be used to select eighty (80) students of technical colleges.

3.5 Instrument for Data Collection

The instrument that must be used for data collection is a structured questionnaire. Title

Upskilling of Upholstery making Skills Questionnaire (UUMSQ) developed by the researcher

based on the research questions for the study the used as guide for the study through the

literature review.

The UUMSQ will consists of two sections A and B. Section A will deal with

demographic data of the replicates for the study. Section B will be residual domination items,

which attempt to investigate upholstery making skills, upholstery framing skills, upholstery

covering skills and upholstery padding skills. The response option of the questionnaire will be

structured on five-point like scale of Strong Agree, Agree, Undecided, Disagree, Strongly

Disagree with values of 5,4,3,2 and 1 respectively. It is illustrated below;

38
Response categories Points Limited

Strongly Agree (SD) 5 4.50-5.00

Agree (A) 4 3.50-4.49

Undecided (U) 3 2.00-3.49

Disagree (D) 2 1.50-2.49

Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 1.00-1.49

3.6.1 Validation of the Instrument

To ensure that the instrument is valid, the copies of the instrument will be face validated

by three experts, two lecturers from the Department of Science and Technology Education and

one teacher from the Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja. They will be required to

rate the items in terms of its technicality and content. The corrections and suggestions will be

considered and used in the final draft of the questionnaire.

3.6.2 Reliability of the Instrument

The reliability of the instrument will be determined using split half reliability method.

Twenty copies of the instrument will be administered to twenty (20) reliability from technology

teachers from different study area. Their responses of the reliability will be computed using

Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 21 versions and reliability coefficient of the

instrument will be obtained.

39
3.7 Method of Data Collection

The questionnaire will be administered to the respondents, which be carried out by the

researcher and with the help of two researches assistant, noted copies of the questionnaire will be

delivered and collected within to ensure accountability.

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

The data of the questionnaire collected will be analyzed using mean, standard deviation

and T-test statistics to determine the opinion of respondents for this study. For answering

research questions, any item with a Mean response of 3.50 and above was considered as agreed,

while any item below 3.50 will be regarded as Disagreed.

40
 CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION OF DATA AND RESULT OF ANALYSIS
4.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the result of the statistical analysis of the data obtained from the
investigation. This study attempts to discuss the following research questions;
1. What are the needs of upholstery making skills needs of technical college students?
2. What are the upholstery framing skills need of technical college students for self-
employment?
3. What are the upholstery padding skills needs of technical college students?
4. What are the upholstery covering skills needs of technical college students for self-
employment?
5. What are adequacy of upholstery making skills for students in technical college?

The data gathered were analyzed using frequency count technique and percentage and mean
average.

4.1 Socio-demographic characteristics of sample subjects

Table 1: Distribution of Gender of Respondents

Variables Frequency (N) Percentage %

JSS2 Male 39 32.5
Female 21 17.5
JSS3 Male 40 33.3
Female 20 16.7

41
Figure 2: Distribution of Gender of Respondents

Gender of Respondents
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Male Female Male Female
JSS2 JSS3

An illustration of the gender of respondents across the different variables

Table 2: Distribution of Qualification of the Respondents

Variables Frequency (N) Percentage %

Highest NCE 9 39
qualification B(Ed)/B.Sc./B. Tech 8 35
obtained Waec 6 26
Figure 3: Distribution of Qualification of the Respondents

Qualification of Respondents
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
NCE B(Ed)/B.Sc./B. Tech Waec

An illustration of the qualifications of respondents across the different variables

42
 Table 3: Distribution of Personnel

Variables Frequency (N) Percentage %

Are you a student or teacher Student 120 84
or technician? Teacher 17 12
Technician 6 4

Figure 4: Distribution of Personnel

Are you a Student or Teacher or Technician

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
Student Teacher Technician

Out of the 143 questionnaires distributed, on analysis 39(32.5%) were male students from JSS2,
while 21(17.5) were female students in JSS2. Then, 40(33.3%) were male students in JSS3 and
20(16.7%) were females in JSS3. This indicates, a mean spread of the sex of the respondents
tending to the male faction in both variables as illustrated in the graph above. On analysis
120(84%) were from students, while 17(12%) were teachers and 6(4%), while an analysis of
their qualifications reveals that 9(39%) obtained NCE, 8(37%) obtained B(Ed)/B.Sc./B.Tech,
and 6(12%) obtained Waec, while 120(84%) were students, 17(12%) were teachers and 6(4%)
were technician.

43
4.2.2 Research Question One

What are the upholstery framing skills need of technical college students for self-employment?

Table 4.2

This shows the mean ratings and standard deviation of Respondents response on the upholstery
framing skills need of technical college students for self-employment

S/ Upholstery framing Skills Needs X S.D Remark

N
1 Possess ability to provide a structural support for the 4.52 0.59 Agreed
upholstered furniture selection of good material
2 Know materials that are suitable to be used as frames 3.54 0.56 Agreed
3 Possess ability to design and create a suitable frame that 3.65 0.61 Agreed
will fit into the upholstery
4 Can select frame that is best for any upholstered 3.57 0.53 Agreed
furniture
5 Possess ability to select the best wood grade and species 3.68 0.64 Agreed
for framing
6 Possess ability to align and square a frame to support 3.70 0.57 Agreed
the upholstered furniture
7 Can use the computer aided design to create a 3.68 0.57 Agreed
predesigned frame work for furniture
8 Overall mean rating on upholstery framing skills need 3.76 0.58 Agreed
of technical college students for self-employment

The data presented in table 4.2 shows the respondents responses on the upholstery framing skills
need of technical college students for self-employment, the overall score of (3.76) shows that the

44
listed activities above have a significant effect in knowledge of upholstery framing skills need of
technical college students for self-employment. Therefore, all items 1-7 shows the mean and
ratings are greater than 3.50 (X>3.50) which implies that all the items are needed upholstery
framing skills need of technical college students for self-employment.

4.2.3 Research Question Two

What are the upholstery padding skills need of technical college students for self-employment?

Table 4.3

This shows the mean ratings and standard deviation of Respondents response on the upholstery
padding skills need of technical college students for self-employment

S/ Upholstery padding skills Needs students X S.D Remark

N
1 Possess ability to place rubber materials on the web of 3.56 0.57 Agreed
upholstery
2 Know how to select a suitable material for padding of 3.58 0.56 Agreed
different form of upholstery
3 Know when to use rubber pad, plastic pad or any other 3.62 0.60 Agreed
form of padding for an upholstery
4 Know how to place padding in cushions 3.63 0.58 Agreed
5 Can place padding to give a reinforced shape, ensure 3.61 0.62 Agreed
comfort, and durability
6 Possess ability to place plastic materials on the web of 3.55 0.63 Agreed
the upholstery
Grand mean rating 3.59 0.59 Agreed

45
The data presented in table 4.3 shows the respondents responses on the upholstery padding skills
need of technical college students for self-employment, the overall score of (3.59) shows that the
listed activities above have a significant effect in knowledge of upholstery padding skills need of
technical college students for self-employment. Therefore, all items 1-6 shows the mean and
ratings are greater than 3.50 (X>3.50) which implies that all the items are needed upholstery
padding skills need of technical college students for self-employment.

4.2.4 Research Question Three

What are the upholstery covering skills need of technical college students for self-employment?

Table 4.3

This shows the mean ratings and standard deviation of Respondents response on the upholstery
covering skills need of technical college students for self-employment

S/ Upholstery covering skills need of technical college X S.D Remark

N students for self-employment
1 Possess ability to cover and tack the foam in upholstery 3.59 0.60 Agreed
2 Know the fabric to be used for covering any upholstery 3.56 0.55 Agreed
3 Know the fabric that requires less cleaning to be used in 3.54 0.52 Agreed
upholstery
4 Can ensure proper covering of materials in order not to 3.57 0.58 Agreed
make the upholstery loose it purpose
5 Can list out the best options of fabric to be employed in 3.57 0.57 Agreed
upholstery
6 Possess the technical ability to be employed when 3.56 0.57 Agreed
covering in upholstery
Overall mean rating on upholstery covering skills need 3.56 0.55 Agreed
of technical college students for self-employment

The data presented in table 4.4 shows the respondents responses on the upholstery covering skills

need of technical college students for self-employment, the overall score of (3.56) shows that the

46
listed activities above have a significant effect in knowledge of upholstery covering skills need

of technical college students for self-employment. Therefore, all items 1-6 shows the mean and

ratings are greater than 3.50 (X>3.50) which implies that all the items are needed upholstery

covering skills need of technical college students for self-employment.

4.3 Hypothesis testing

Hypothesis One

Ho1 There is no significant difference between the mean responses of teachers and students in
upholstery computer aid design skills need of technical college students

Table 4.3.1 t-test statistics on mean responses of teachers and students in upholstery computer aid
design skills need of technical college students

Variable Mean SD N df t-Cal t-critical

Upholstery computer aid design skills of 10.63 0.65
teachers
& 143 142 3.32 1.96
Upholstery computer aid design skills of 11.72 0.57
teachers

From table 4.3.1 the calculated t-value of 3.32 exceeds the critical value of 1.96. The hypothesis which

states that there is no significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students in

upholstery computer aid design skills need of technical college students is therefore rejected. The

implication of this is that there is significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students

in upholstery computer aid design skills need of technical college students

Hypothesis Two

Ho1: There is no significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students in

upholstery framing skills need of technical college students

47
Table 4.3.2 t-test statistics on mean responses of teachers and students in upholstery framing skills

need of technical college students

Variable Mean SD N df t-cal t-critical

Upholstery framing skills of teachers 9.40 0.83

& 143 142 4.61 1.96

Upholstery framing skills of Students 14.22 0.76

From table 4.3.2 the calculated t-value of 4.61 exceeds the critical value of 1.96. The hypothesis which

states that there is no significant difference in mean responses of teachers and students in

upholstery framing skills need of technical college students is therefore rejected. The implication of

this is that there is significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students in upholstery

framing skills need of technical college students

Hypothesis Three

Ho1 There is no significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students in

upholstery fabric covering skills need of technical college students.

Table 4.3.3 t-test statistics on mean responses of teachers and students in upholstery fabric

covering skills need of technical college students

Variable Mean SD N df t-cal t-critcal

Upholstery fabric covering skills of teachers 6.30 0.59

48
 & 143 142 2.72 1.96

Upholstery fabric covering skills of students 12.94 0.57

From table 4.3.3 the calculated t-value of 2.72 exceeds the critical value of 1.96. The hypothesis which

states that there is no significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students in

upholstery fabric covering skills need of technical college students is therefore rejected. The

implication of this is that there is significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students

in upholstery fabric covering skills need of technical college students.

Hypothesis Four

Ho1 There is no significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students in

adequacy of upholstery creation and production skills need of technical college.

Table 4.3.4 t- t-test statistics on mean responses of teachers and students in adequacy of upholstery

creation and production skills need of technical college

Variable Mean SD N df t-cal t-critcal

Adequacy of upholstery creation and 4.58 0.78

production skills of teachers

& 143 242 3.23 1.96

Adequacy of upholstery creation and 11.48 0.54

production skills of students

49
From table 4.3.4 the calculated t-value of 3.23 exceeds the critical value of 1.96. The hypothesis which

states that there is no significant difference in the mean responses of teachers and students in

adequacy of upholstery creation and production skills need of technical college is therefore

rejected. The implication of this is that there is significant difference in the mean responses of teachers

and students in adequacy of upholstery creation and production skills need of technical college.

Conclusion

The following null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study which includes, there is no

significant difference between the mean responses of teachers and students in upholstery

computer aid design skills need of technical college students, there is no significant difference

between the mean responses of teachers and students in upholstery framing skills need of

technical college students. there is no significant difference between the mean responses of

teachers and students in upholstery fabric covering skills need of technical college students, there

is no significant difference between the mean responses of teachers and students in adequacy of

upholstery creation and production skills need of technical college. The hypotheses were tested,

though there were limitations to the study, the hypotheses appear to be alternative for all the variables.

50
 Reliability Test

This research instrument’s reliability was tested using Split-half reliability.

Split-half reliability is a statistical method used to measure the consistency of the scores of a test. It is a

form of internal consistency reliability and had been commonly used before the coefficient α was

invented. Split-half reliability is a convenient alternative to other forms of reliability, including test–retest

reliability and parallel forms reliability because it requires only one administration of the test.

Upskilling of Upholstery Framing Skills Needs of Technical College for Self Employment

N %

Cases Valid 7 100.0

Excluded 0 0

Total 7 100.0

Reliability statistics

Correlation Value

coefficient

Split half method 0.53

Upskilling of Upholstery Padding Skills Needs of Technical College for Self Employment

N %

Cases Valid 6 100.0

Excluded 0 0

Total 6 100.0

51
Reliability statistics

Correlation Value

coefficient

Split half method 0.56

Upskilling of Upholstery Covering Skills Needs of Technical College for Self Employment

N %

Cases Valid 6 100.0

Excluded 0 0

Total 6 100.0

Reliability statistics

Correlation Value

coefficient

Split half method 0.62

52
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Summary

The study adopted survey research design. The population for the study consist 143

respondents in which the entire population was involved in the study. A structured questionnaire

was developed and used for data collection.

The questionnaire was face-validation by three experts. Three of them are from Department

of Science and Technology Education, Technology Education Unit, University of Lagos, Yaba.

The experts were requested to assess the items of the instrument in terms of clarity and

appropriateness in addressing the problem of the study and research questions under

investigation. The expert’s corrections, suggestions and recommendations were incorporated in

the final draft of the instrument. Split half method was used to estimate the reliability coefficient

of the instrument. A total of 143 copies of the questionnaire were administered on the respondent

by the researcher with the aid of three trained research assistants. The completed questionnaires

were collected after the interval of one week. The data collected were analyzed using mean for

53
answering the five research questions while t-test statistic was use to test the five null hypotheses

at 0.05 level of significance.

5.1 Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:

Many students of technical colleges needs to possess technical and upskilling & upholstery

making which include: padding, covering and framing. The study was carried out and found that

the students require these competencies for self-employment in Lagos State.

5.2 Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made:

1. All the competencies identified in this study should be packaged and use to lecture technical colleges

students to be prospective entrepreneurs in the country. There should be regular seminar, workshops

practices and conferences for teachers, students and the general public to strengthen and refocus on

entrepreneurial education.

2. Youth should be introduced to entrepreneurial activities at their early stage to enable them grow

alongside with it in and out-of-school programs. Upskilling & Upholstery making as a subjects should be

introduced as one of the compulsory subjects in all secondary schools in the country. Through this

methods students who transcend into technical institutions to the university level, would have become

conversant with the tenets of entrepreneurial demands.

3. Government should increase the budget for the implementation of this policy on mandatory upskilling

& upholstery making budgeted sum should be increased in order to actualize the purpose of the funding.

Government should provide initial capital in for of soft loan with little or no interest to the prospective

graduates for self-employment.

54
5.3 Suggestions for further Study

The following are suggested for further studies

1. Upholstery making skills improvement needs among student of technical colleges in Upholstery

making in Lagos State.

2. Upskilling needed by students of Upholstery making for Self-Employment in other states of the

federation.

3. Upholstery making skills require by technician for success in small scale Upholstery making

workshop in Lagos State

55
 REFERENCES

Akpan, S. (2006) Woodworking with machines (A three dimensional approach) Uyo: Samuf

Educational limited.

Federal Republic of Nigeria (2014). National Policy on Education, Revised Edition, NERDC

Press Lagos. Nigeria.

Gate, D. (2000). Essential Guide to Upholstery. Memphis: Merehurst Press Ltd.

James, W. (2015). Upholstery making. USA: Grand Rapids, Michigan. P. B.

Usoro, A. D. & Utuk, 1. A. (2017) Wood Technology. Uyo: Penmark Publishers.

Usoro, A. D. & Utuk, 1. A. (2018) Basics of Woodwork designs. Uyo: Penmark Publishers.

Usoro, A. D. (2018) Timber and metal technology, Monograph, Vocational education University

of Uyo, Uyo.

Usoro, A. D. (2018). Concise handbook on educational research. Uyo: Penmark Publishers.

Utuk, I. A. (2017). Upholstery making skills need of Technical College students for

employability in Akwa Ibom State. Unpublished M.Sc. (Ed.) dissertation, Department of

Vocational Education, University of Uyo, Uyo.

Walton, J. A. (2000). Woodwork in Theory and Practice. Sydney: The Australian Publishing

Company Pyt. Ltd. Hornsby.

White, A. (2011). The element of graphic design. New York: Allworth press, McGraw-Hill.

56
 APPENDIX A

Faculty of Education,
Department of Science and Technology,
Technology Education Unit,
University of Lagos.
Dear Respondent,

I “Alemoh Phillip’’ an undergraduate of the Department of Science and Technology Education

Unit of University of Lagos, with matriculation number 160320004 carrying out a study titled

“Upskilling of Upholstery Making Skills among Student of Technical Colleges for Self-

Employment in Lagos State’’.

Your opinion is highly needed for the successful validation of this research instrument.

Therefore, your knowledge, correction and observation will be valuable in the success of this

undergraduate study. Your positive response and corrections will be considered and used in the

final draft of the questionnaire

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,
Alemoh Phillip
08077029109.

57
 APPENDIX B

Faculty of Education,
Department of Science and Technology,
Technology Education Unit,
University of Lagos.
Dear Respondent,

I “Alemoh Phillip’’ an undergraduate of the Department of Science and Technology

Education Unit of University of Lagos, with matriculation number 160320004 carrying out a

study titled “Upskilling of Upholstery Making Skills among Student of Technical Colleges

for Self-Employment in Lagos State’’.

You are requested to indicate your response to this research instrument and return as early as you

can, in order to test its reliability and to facilitate the early completion of the research work. Your

honest responses will go a long way in providing useful information for the study and shall be

treated confidentially.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
Alemoh Phillip
08077029109.

58
 APPENDIX C
COMPUTATION OF RELIABILITY
Upskilling of Upholstery Framing Skills Needs of Technical College for Self Employment

Correlation Value
coefficient
Split half method 0.53

Upskilling of Upholstery Padding Skills Needs of Technical College for Self Employment

Correlation Value
coefficient
Split half method 0.56

Upskilling of Upholstery Covering Skills Needs of Technical College for Self Employment

Correlation Value
coefficient
Split half method 0.62

59
 SECTION A
QUESTIONNAIRE
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS.
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION UNIT

Dear Respondent,

I “Alemoh Phillip” an undergraduate of the Department of Science and Technology

Education, Technology Education Unit of University of Lagos, with matriculation number
160320004 carrying out a study titled “Upskilling of Upholstery Making Skills among
Students of Technical Colleges for self-employment in Lagos State”.
Your honest responses to the questions will go a long way in providing useful information for the
study and shall be treated confidentially.

60
 SECTION A: PERSONAL DATA

Instruction: Please tick (√) as appropriate on the spaces provide.

Class: JSS 2 [ ] JSS3 [ ]

Gender: Male [ ] Female [ ]

61
 SECTION B

UPSKILLING OF UPHOLSTERY MAKING SKILLS AMONG STUDENTS OF

TECHNICAL COLLEGES

Instruction: For each question, mark one choice out of the five options to your degree of
agreement.
Key: (1) SA – Strongly Agree (2) A-Agree (3) Undecided (4) D-Disagree
(5) SD-Strongly disagree

Upskilling of Upholstery Framing Skills Needs of Technical Colleges for Self Employment

S/N Upholstery Framing Skills SA A U D SD

1. Possess ability to provide a structural support for the
upholstered furniture and selection of good material
2. Know materials that are suitable to be used as frames
3. Possess ability to design and create a suitable frame that
will fit into the upholstery
4. Can select frame that is best for any upholstered furniture
5. Possess ability to select the best wood grade and species for
framing

6. Possess ability to align and square a frame to support the

upholstered furniture

7. Can use the computer aided design to create a predesigned

framework for furniture

62
Upskilling of Upholstery Padding Skills Needs of Technical Colleges for Self Employment

S/N Upholstery Padding Skills SA A U D SD

1. Possess ability to place rubber materials on the web of
upholstery
2. Know how to select a suitable material for padding of
different form of upholstery
3. Know when to use rubber, pad, plastic pad or any other
form of padding for an upholstery
4. Know how to place padding in cushions
5. Can place padding to give a reinforced shape, ensure
comfort and durability

6. Possess ability to place plastic materials on the web of the

upholstery

63
Upskilling of Upholstery Covering Skills Needs of Technical Colleges for Self Employment

S/N Upholstery Covering Skills SA A U D SD

1. Possess ability to cover and tack the foam in upholstery
2. Know the fabric to be used for covering any upholstery
3. Know the fabric that requires less cleaning to be used in
upholstery
4. Can ensure proper covering of materials in order not to
make the upholstery lose it purpose
5. Can list out the best options of fabric to be employed in
upholstery

6. Possess the technical ability to be employed when covering

in upholstery

64
65