ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION ON STUDENTS’ READINESS TO QUANTITY SURVEYING PROFESSION IN AKURE, ONDO STATE

The readiness of students for professional practice in quantity surveying has become a central concern in bridging the gap between academia and industry. The purpose of this research is to assess student readiness through the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), knowledge transfer, and industrial scholarship, as well as to evaluate strategies that can improve academia-industry collaboration in the Nigerian construction sector. Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to students, and industry professionals which the population was 180. Out of the distributed questionnaires, a high response rate of 74.44% was achieved, ensuring reliable data for analysis. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as mean item score, standard deviation, t-test, regression analysis, and factor analysis, while Cronbach’s alpha was employed to test reliability. The results of the analysis indicate that SIWES significantly enhances student readiness, particularly in core technical and workplace skills such as billing knowledge, teamwork, and the ability to carry out expected tasks, though areas such as problem-solving and taking constructive criticism require further strengthening. Findings on knowledge transfer revealed that both students and professionals valued communication, adaptability, and collaborative learning as vital readiness indicators, although gaps were observed in leadership and facilitation skills. Similarly, industrial scholarship was shown to positively influence readiness, especially in fostering interest in research and problem-solving, with regression analysis confirming it as a strong predictor of student preparedness. Factor analysis identified five major strategies to improve academia-industry collaboration, namely structured placement and institutional collaboration, joint academic–industry events and research outputs, academic exposure to industry practices, integration through jointly sponsored scholarships, and industry involvement in academic development. The findings of this study reveal that universities and industry stakeholders strengthen practical exposure, research partnerships, and policy-level collaborations to enhance the professional readiness of future quantity surveyors.