Al-Hikmah University Journal

This study examined the competencies required for self-reliance by OTM students in colleges of education in North-East Nigeria. The study had three specific objectives and three research questions which were meant to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. A total of 260 of the instruments were randomly administered to selected business/computer center operators in North-East, Nigeria. The data collected with the instrument was analyzed using mean and standard deviations. The findings of the study revealed that word processing, communication and human relation/interpersonal competencies were positively related to self-reliance of OTM students in colleges of education in North East Nigeria and they are highly required by OTM students for self-reliance. Hence, the mind of OTM students in colleges of education in North East Nigeria can be change from search of unavailable white-collar jobs which always increases the level of the country’s unemployment to self-reliance where graduates of OTM from colleges of education can establish their own business and contribute to the economy by reducing unemployment rate in the country. This could be achieved when OTM students in colleges of education in North East Nigeria are well exposed to word processing competencies, communication competencies and human relation/interpersonal competencies.