MICROSOFT OFFICE APPLICATION COMPETENCIES POSSESSED BY OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT STUDENTS IN POLYTECHNICS FOR EMPLOYABILITY AND SELF RELIANCE IN KOGI STATE

Abstract

 

This study analysed the Microsoft office competencies possessed by students of Office Technology and Management (OTM) in Polytechnics in Kogi State. It adopted the descriptive research design. Three purposes of the study, three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The sample population consisted of 107 OTM students of Federal Polytechnic Idah and Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja. Cronbach alpha reliability test was used to obtain reliability coefficients of 0.763. Mean, standard deviation and t –test statistics were the statistical tools used for analyses. Findings showed that the respondents were competent in Microsoft Word, but not competent in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint applications. Gender and institution type showed no significant difference in the respondents’ mean ratings on their possessed Microsoft office competencies. The researcher concluded that OTM students have not adequately possessed Microsoft office application competencies, which is an obvious pointer to the reason why the level of unemployment is high, while self-reliance among her graduates is low. Based on the findings and conclusion, it was recommended, among others, that government should provide adequate funds for the polytechnic to enable them procure ICT facilities to enable students practice adequately and be acquainted with Microsoft office application.

(Keywords: Microsoft office, Office Technology and Management, Kogi State)