Enhancing Professional Development in Nigeria’s Construction Sector: A Comparative Study of Peer-to-Peer and Expert-Led Mentoring Models

Abstract

Mentoring is a vital instrument for knowledge transfer, skill development, and professional growth in Nigerian construction industry. Although mentoring programmes are gradually gaining acceptance in the Nigerian construction industry, there remains a noticeable gap in empirical research that directly compares the effectiveness of mentoring models within the local context. This is a comparative study of mentoring models (peer-to-peer and expert-led) within the context of Nigerian construction project environments. Using a mixed-methods approach, data from 120 construction workers across five large-scale projects in Abuja, Nigeria were analyzed.  This is complemented by semi-structured interviews with 20 out of the 120 participants. Findings indicate that peer-to-peer mentoring nurtures collaborative problem-solving and practical skill acquisition, particularly in dynamic site conditions, but lacks depth in specialized technical knowledge. On the other hand, expert-led mentoring is appropriate in delivering structured guidance and advanced technical expertise but may limit mentee’s independence and adaptability. The study therefore proposes a hybrid mentoring framework that integrates the strengths of both models to enhance workers development in construction industry. Practical implications for effective implementation of mentoring programmes in the Nigerian construction industry and recommendations for future research are discussed.