By Hassan Ibrahim
A Professor of Office Technology and Management in Business Education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Sev Sebastian Amoor, has called for an urgent review of the curriculum of Office Technology and Management to equip students with the digital skills required to remain relevant in the rapidly changing world of work.
Professor Amoor made the call while delivering an inaugural lecture titled, “Advancing Office Technology and Management in Business Education for Global Competitiveness and Relevance in the Virtual and Paperless Workplace Era: Challenges, Innovation and Future Prospects,” held at the Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, ABU Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Professor Seb Sebastian Amoor said the traditional office environment is rapidly changing as organisations increasingly adopt digital, virtual, artificial intelligence-enabled, and paperless systems, stressing that professionals must acquire the knowledge, competencies, and creativity needed to operate modern information and communication technologies.
He noted that technologies such as cloud storage, digital communication platforms, virtual offices, and digital assistants are already transforming office operations, allowing people to work and communicate remotely from different parts of the world.
He observed that a gap exists between the skills some graduates acquire in school and the competencies required by employers, urging universities to strengthen partnerships with industries to understand current workplace practices and ensure that graduates are properly prepared for employment.
The don also called for improved internet facilities, modern technological infrastructure, and continuous training for lecturers, saying teachers must constantly upgrade their digital knowledge to effectively equip students for the contemporary workplace.
He further recommended that the curriculum should place greater emphasis on digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and emerging information systems, arguing that the digital transformation of the workplace requires corresponding changes in the way students are trained.
Professor Amoor concluded that moving from traditional office operations to digital and virtual workplaces requires continuous innovation, curriculum development, infrastructure, professional training, and stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Professor Sanusi Aliyu Rafin Dadi, said the theme of the inaugural lecture was timely, considering the rapid changes taking place in office technology and management.
The Vice-Chancellor said technological developments have transformed the way organisations conduct their activities, with innovations such as cloud storage, electronic communication, virtual workspaces, and paperless systems becoming increasingly important in both public and private institutions.
He explained that Business Education has an important role to play in preparing professionals who can operate and manage these emerging systems, stressing the need for universities to remain responsive to technological developments and changing workplace requirements.
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