OTM EDUCATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA:

DEVELOPING DIGITAL SKILLS FOR FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS

Abstract

Digital transformation is reshaping the skills required for effective business leadership. This study centered on investigating Office Technology and Management (OTM) education in the digital era, with a focus on developing digital skills for future business leaders. A descriptive research design was adopted. The population comprised 50 final-year degree OTM students in the 2025/2026 academic session at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and all were studied using the census method. A 10-item structured questionnaire, face-validated by three experts in education, was used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established through pilot testing, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.70. Out of the 50 copies of the questionnaire administered, 46 (92%) were properly completed and used for analysis. Mean statistics were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that respondents agreed that digital communication and digital software skills are essential for OTM students to function effectively as future business leaders. The study concluded that acquiring these skills enhances students’ preparedness for leadership roles in the digital economy. It was recommended that the OTM curriculum be redesigned by curriculum planners to incorporate courses and content that foster digital communication and software competencies for effective participation in the technology-driven era