A gender assessment study on students’ perception of BIM and CAD in The Federal University of Technology, Minna Nigeria

Computer-aided design software used by professionals in the built industry has revolutionized what is regarded as design for these individuals, among which students are not excluded. Design using this medium has again been developed further with the introduction of BIM (Building Information Modelling). This study is aimed at investigating the perception of BIM and CAD software among male and female students of Architecture in the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. The research method used for this study was quantitative in nature, where data was obtained from probability sampling technique, specifically the stratified sampling method. Data was collected with the use of an open-ended interview, where by male and female architecture students in Federal University of Technology were interviewed. Findings showed that male students found BIM software easier to use than female students in the department of architecture. Furthermore, most students learnt to use both BIM and CAD software either by themselves or from their colleagues. The study makes suggestions for department of architecture and recommends the provision of active means through which all students can benefit from all that BIM software has to offer through the provision of adequate teaching in the use of these applications.