Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The role of the secretary has significantly evolved with the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This research project aims to explore the changing roles of secretaries in the ICT era, focusing on the problems they face and the prospects that technology offers. The study utilizes a qualitative research approach, involving interviews and surveys with secretaries across different industries. Initial findings suggest that ICT has brought about both challenges and opportunities for secretaries. On one hand, traditional secretarial tasks such as typing, filing, and taking dictation have been largely automated, leading to concerns about job security and relevance. On the other hand, ICT has enabled secretaries to take on more strategic and value-added responsibilities, such as data analysis, project management, and communication coordination. The problems faced by secretaries in the ICT era include the need to constantly update their skills to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies. Many secretaries feel overwhelmed by the pace of change and the pressure to learn new software and tools. Additionally, there is a perception among some organizations that secretaries are becoming obsolete, leading to potential job displacement. Despite these challenges, there are also promising prospects for secretaries in the ICT era. Technology has enabled them to work more efficiently, communicate effectively with colleagues and clients, and access information quickly. Secretaries who embrace ICT and develop digital literacy skills are better positioned to advance their careers and take on higher-level roles within organizations. Furthermore, the shift towards remote work and virtual collaboration has created new opportunities for secretaries to provide virtual assistance and support to teams across different locations. This trend opens up possibilities for flexible working arrangements and the ability to work with diverse teams and clients globally. In conclusion, the changing roles of secretaries in the ICT era present a mix of challenges and prospects. It is essential for secretaries to adapt to technological advancements, upskill themselves, and demonstrate their value as indispensable members of the modern workforce. Organizations also need to recognize the evolving role of secretaries and provide support for their professional development in the digital age.

Thesis Overview

On the early days the secretarial profession was limited to typing, writing and transcribing of shorthand only. But today, it is far beyond this, it involved functions as sorting and retrieving of information passing on information and so on with the help of manual electronic equipment. A secretary assistance to an executive, possessing mastery of office skills and ability to assume responsibilities without direct supervision who display initiative, exercises judgment and makes decision within the scope of his/her authority. The secretary also handles more office jobs, makes and takes decision on behalf of his/her organization. But because of the aforementioned about information communication technology, there are controversies about the future of the secretary in information communication technology.
The term information communication technology was first widely employed in 1981 to describe the equipment and system, which were being introduced in both private and public sectors, to create, store and distribute information since, then, the term has abbreviated to (I.C.T.).
The key feature of modern technology is its ability to deal with information in one form or the other. Trend has been towards using ways of interconnecting the various types of equipments so as to integrate their functions and manage them effectively. Underpinning the definition of -ICT†lies on the modern which provides a helpful explanation of the way in which computers process information.
Information communication technology as the broadly based technology needed to support information systems, which many people today refers to as computer equipment, which aids to increase profit margin and enhance planning, and organization by the use of very fast, accurate and flexible devices in the business society. Efficiency in offices many people believe, is a vital factor in the well being of an organization as it can affect productivity.

1.1  STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
The objective is to assess information communication and examine the problems faced to the modern secretary and the prospects the secretary is expected to meet with. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the changing roles of the secretary in the ICT era.
2. To access the problem and threats of information communication technology to the secretarial profession.
3. To highlight the challenges posed by the emerge of ICT to a secretary.

1.3  RESEARCH QUESTION
1.  Who is a secretary in the information communication technology era?
2  What are the positive and negative effect information communication technology has on the roles of a secretary.
3.   What are the problems and the prospects of a secretary in the information communication technology era?
4.  What threats does information communication technology pose to the secretary in an organization in this era?
5. What effect has information communication technology on the secretarial profession?

1.4  DELIMITATION
This works covers -the changing roles of the secretary in an ICT era and it is restricted to first bank, oceanic bank and intercontinental bank plc.

1.5 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
In the course of carrying out this work, certain factors served as time, enough capital, inadequate text books, and as a result of other academic activities going on.

1.6  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of the study has risen from the researcher’s realization of the problem facing a secretary in the information communication technology at first bank, oceanic and interconnected bank plc Kaura Namoda branch, Zamfara State the researcher also realized the prospects of a secretary in the information communication technology. This research work will be valuable assets to government policy makers on privatization and contributing to the successful up-lifting of secretaries in information communication technology.