ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF UNDERGRADUATE FINAL YEAR PROJECTS ON ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT

A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS

Abstract

Undergraduate final year projects represent a crucial component of higher education, providing students with an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. This study assesses the impact of undergraduate final year projects on economic and technological advancement, focusing on Nigerian polytechnics. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, data was collected from students, faculty members, and industry stakeholders. The findings reveal that final year projects play a significant role in fostering innovation, skill development, and industry-academia collaboration. However, challenges such as limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient mentorship hinder the full realization of the potential impact. Recommendations are provided to enhance the effectiveness of final year projects in contributing to economic and technological advancement in Nigerian polytechnics.