Challenges Affecting the Adoption of Digital Technology in Nigerian Architectural Education: A Case Study of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti

The integration of digital technology in architectural education has significantly transformed the process of training architects by providing new possibilities for design innovation, creativity and collaboration. Technologies such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM) and immersive Technologies like virtual reality are replacing manual and traditional tools in many schools of architecture across the globe. However, Nigeria lags in embracing these innovations. This study investigates the challenges affecting the adoption of digital technology in Nigerian architectural education, using the Department of Architectural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti as a case study. Data was collected from 112 students in the department across three academic levels (ND II, HND I, and HND II) through a mixed-methods approach, The study established that while students favored digital tools over traditional ones, the presence of several adoption barriers such as insufficient power supply, high costs of hardware, and limited access to software hindered effective digital technology integration in the school. The study further highlights the need for curriculum review to accommodate emerging technologies such as digital fabrication, which are currently unavailable in the Nigerian architectural education curriculum. The results of the study underscore the need for well-equipped centralized computer laboratories with reliable power supply in schools of architecture in Nigeria and improved training for faculty and students. The findings contribute to understanding the digital technology gap in architectural education in developing countries and offer actionable insights for enhancing architectural education in Nigeria's digital landscape. Keywords: Digital Technology, Architectural Education, Nigeria, Challenges, Curriculum Integration