Problems of Teaching Typewriting and Office Practice in Unity Schools in Gombe State

This study investigated the problems associated with teaching Typewriting and Office Practice in Unity Schools in Gombe State, North East Nigeria. Unity Schools, operated by the Federal Government, are expected to maintain high standards of curriculum delivery across all subject areas, including Business Education. However, inadequate provisioning of typewriting machines and modern office equipment in many Unity Schools has created significant barriers to effective instruction. This study sought to identify the specific problems confronting teachers and students of this subject area in Gombe State. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 180 Business Education students and 24 teachers across three Unity Schools in Gombe State. The entire accessible population was used as the sample. Separate questionnaires for students and teachers, both validated by subject matter experts, were used for data collection. Frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores were used for data analysis. Findings reveal that the dominant problems include non-functional typewriters, complete absence of electronic typewriters, limited teacher knowledge of digital office practice tools, and lack of simulated office environments. Students reported difficulty practising office skills outside school due to limited personal access to office equipment. The study recommends that the Federal Ministry of Education should prioritize the upgrade of Office Practice laboratories in Unity Schools in Gombe State and incorporate digital office simulation software into the curriculum delivery. Keywords: typewriting, office practice, teaching problems, Unity Schools, Gombe State