Competency Gaps in Automotive Air Conditioning Training in Nigerian TVET Institutions: A Systematic Review and Implications For Curriculum Reform

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review of literature examining competency gaps and occupational skill deficiencies in Automotive Air-Conditioning (AAC) training within Nigerian Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the review identified, screened, and synthesised relevant empirical studies to examine competency requirements, curriculum challenges, and factors influencing skill development in AAC training. A structured search was conducted across Google Scholar and Scopus-indexed databases, covering studies published between 2019 and 2026. The eligible studies were analysed using thematic synthesis to identify recurring patterns related to occupational competencies, curriculum relevance, training resources, and industry alignment. The findings reveal multidimensional competency gaps affecting AAC training, particularly in system diagnosis, refrigerant management, fault detection, and the application of modern diagnostic technologies. The review further identifies a persistent mismatch between TVET training outcomes and industry expectations, resulting from outdated curricula, inadequate practical facilities, limited access to industry-standard equipment, insufficient instructor capacity, and weak industry-institution collaboration. The findings demonstrate that improving AAC training requires a coordinated reform approach involving competency-based curriculum development, modernised training infrastructure, continuous instructor professional development, and stronger partnerships between TVET institutions and the automotive industry. This review provides evidence-based insights for curriculum developers, policymakers, and educators seeking to enhance graduate employability and strengthen the alignment between AAC training and contemporary automotive industry requirements.