Skutterudite $CoSb_3$ doped with nickel was prepared by encapsulated induction melting, and its doping effects on thermoelectric properties were investigated. Single phase ${delta}-CoSb_3$ was successfully obtained by encapsulated induction melting and subsequent heat treatment at 773 K for 24 h. Nickel atoms acted as electron donors by substituting cobalt atoms. Thermoelectric properties were remarkably improved by appropriate heat treatment and doping, and they were closely related to phase transitions and dopant activation. The maximum ZT(dimensionless figure of merit) was achieved as 0.2 at 600 K for the $Co_{0.93}Ni_{0.07}Sb_3$ specimen.