STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF 2009 NBTE/UNESCO NATIONAL DIPLOMA CURRICULUM IN OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Abstract

The need to ensure success in the implementation of 2009 NBTE/UNESCO curriculum for National Diploma programme of Office Technology and Management necessitated this study. The study which was carried out in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was guided by three research questions and one null hypothesis was tested. The design was descriptive survey. The population of the study was 76. Purposive sampling technique was used and the entire population was studied. A five point rated structured questionnaire which was validated by three experts in Office Technology and Management was used for the data collection for the study. Mean statistics and standard deviations were used to analyse the data collected so as to answer the research questions and to determine the cohesion or otherwise of the respondents' ratings. Z-test was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that the 2009 NBTE/UNESCO curriculum is embedded with ICT and communication skills oriented courses and as such is quite relevant in today's world of business. The study also found that the provision of relevant infrastructure as well as teacher's ability to demonstrate the step by step application and means of acquisition of the skills contained in the courses will greatly enhance the implementation success rate of the curriculum. Based on the findings, the study recommended that specialisation among teachers should be encouraged. It also recommended that teachers should be frequently updated by way of training so as to keep abreast with the ever evolving technological world of business.

Keywords: Office Technology and Management, Curriculum and implementation