Title: WORKFORCE EDUCATION AND EMERGING DIGITAL COMPETENCIES FOR ENHANCING EMPLOYABILITY IN OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT IN KOGI STATE, NORTH CENTRAL

Authors:
Atanu, Joy Egbunu

Abstract: Abstract This study examined workforce education and emerging digital competencies for enhancing employability in Office Technology and Management (OTM) in Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria. The rapid digital transformation of workplaces has created an urgent need for graduates equipped with modern technological competencies, yet many OTM programmes continue to face infrastructure and curriculum challenges. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population for the study is 83 which consists of 8 OTM lecturers and 75 OTM students from Kogi State Polytechnic. A structured questionnaire titled "Workforce Education and Emerging Digital Competencies Questionnaire (WEEDCQ)" was used to collect data, with a reliability coefficient of 0.84 obtained using Cronbachs Alpha Data collected were analyzed using mean, to answer research questions. The null hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance using t-test for independent sample. The findings revealed that computer literacy competency plays a significant role in enhancing employability (grand mean: lecturers = 3.63, students = 3.56). Word processing competency was identified as essential for employability enhancement (grand mean: lecturers = 3.63, students = 3.58). Spreadsheet management competency was also found to be highly required for employability (grand mean: lecturers = 3.63, students = 3.58). The three null hypotheses were not rejected, indicating no significant difference between the perceptions of lecturers and students. The study concludes that emerging digital competencies, including computer literacy, word processing, and spreadsheet management, are critical for enhancing employability among OTM students. Recommendations include increased investment in ICT infrastructure, curriculum modernization, regular digital skills training for students and lecturers, and strengthened industry-academia collaboration. Keywords: Workforce education, digital competencies, employability, Office Technology and Management, computer literacy, word processing, spreadsheet management

Publication Date: 2026-06-04