Perception of Professional Secretaries on Relevance of Shorthand Skills on the Modern Office Operations in Public Universities in North-East, Nigeria

The study assessed the Perception of Professional Secretaries on Relevance of Shorthand Skills on The Modern Office Operations in Public Universities in North-East, Nigeria. The study was guided by 6 objectives, 6 research questions and 6 hypotheses. Survey design was adopted for the study. The population for this study comprised of the entire 203 trained professional secretaries in public universities in North-East, Nigeria. The Total Population Sample (TPS) of 203 secretaries were used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire adapted from Sarki (2015), Oguntimehin and Oludele (2017). The instrument was validated by experts and pilot tested and a reliability co-efficient of 0.83 was obtained. The researcher assisted by 5 co-opted research assistants administered the questionnaire using on-the-spot technique. The data to be collected were analyzed using mean and grand mean to answer the research questions while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 confidence level of significance. The result revealed among others that Shorthand skill is not relevant on report writing minute-taking of secretaries in modern offices operation. It was concluded that the job opportunities and job performance of professional secretaries will depend on their knowledge, skills and competencies on the operation of the technology gadgets and facilities found in the modern offices. Based on this, it was recommended among others that Modern technology such as (computer, scanning machine, tape recorder, dictating machine) should be integrated into the curriculum of business education programme, this will enable pre-service secretaries to acquire skills needed for office operation before graduation.


INTRODUCTION
Secretaries otherwise known as administrative assistants are employed personnel responsible for performing a wide range of jobs that vary greatly in an organisation. According to Amoor and Magaji (2015), secretaries are responsible for managing records and information, answer telephones calls, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, make travel arrangements, and sort mail in an organisation. The authors stressed that the ancient secretaries were then more or less stereotyped as the person in the office who types, files correspondence, takes of minutes and correspondence with speed and accuracy. This therefore means that the task of secretaries in an organisation is great, enormous and time consuming; hence the need to develop methods of taking abbreviated notes so that they could capture as much as possible of their employers' words at reasonable time become very important. To enable the secretaries meet up with the work challenges, sufficient speed and accuracy, the modern precursor of the shorthand was developed in 16 th Century (Amoor, 2014). This explained why Sholagbade (2012) maintained that the competency of a secretary was then hinged on her ability to take shorthand notes as dictated by the executive and transcribed same accurately. By implication, excellent knowledge, understanding and demonstration of shorthand skills guaranteed job as professional secretary in an organization.
Shorthand also called stenography is one of the core subjects to all students that opted for secretarial studies in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The Pitman shorthand new course, new Era Edition (1979) defines shorthand as a way of representing every sound heard in English words with signs and symbols. Osuala (2004) highlighted that the primary objectives of shorthand is to develop in the students the ability to take dictation with sufficient speed and accuracy to produce amiable transcript. According to Amoor and Magaji (2015), the knowledge of Shorthand aids in the development of skills related to listening, focus, organization, attention to detail and accuracy. Okoro (2017) opined that the knowledge of shorthand enhances vocabulary, reading, phonetics, spelling and other language skills. It is assumed that knowledge and skills in short hand enable secretaries to become proficient in their duties, increase their writing skills, facilitate the taking of minutes and transcription of the spoken word. Consequently, shorthand was allocated three credit units in every semester in the curriculum of students opting for office option in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
In the recent, the invention of technology such as Computers, fax machines, electronic mail, copy machines, scanners and some technological advancement into offices leads to several changes in both private and public offices as regards the functions of secretaries. Consequently, Oludele (2008) reported that the nature of office works and the office today is being largely automated with modern technologies. Sholagbade (2012) opines that technologies, such as speed typing and voice recognition software have taken the place of the former administrative art known as Shorthand. Empirically, the study of Aliata and Hawa, (2014) revealed that the emergence of technological innovations in office has created an impression that many secretaries will be relieved of their jobs since automation is likely to take over their jobs. As a result of the growing trend, the role of secretaries in the business set up has changed tremendously from that of typewriting, shorthand dictation, answering of telephone calls and processing of mails to the usage of computers and other modern gadgets (Mumuni & Sam 2014). The aspects of the job and responsibilities such as making travel arrangements, scheduling conferences, and transmitting staff instructions are now conducted outline. The technological innovations in the offices as resulted in the deemphasizing of shorthand led to the integration of technological innovations into curriculum of secretarial programme in tertiary institutions in Nigeria (Oguntimehin & Oludele, 2017). Therefore, there is no gain saying that technological changes have altered the procedures and techniques for office functions to include the computers, electronic mail, voice mail, and the internet.
Despite the role of technological advances made in recent years with dictation equipment and other substitutes for manual shorthand, the idea on deemphasizing on shorthand is not accepted by scholars of business education and office technology in Nigeria. Nwosu (2003) reported that, unlike word processing operations in most settings, office Secretaries carry out tasks which often extend beyond typing or keyboarding. The author added that, shorthand skill plays a vital role when a secretary work and prepares documents needed with urgently. Accordingly, Agboola, Ademiluyi and Ademiluyi (2014) reported that despite the technological age, shorthand assist secretaries to compile minutes, prepare reports and office management. Similarly, Amoor (2014) reported that secretaries with shorthand skills are more efficient in handling of paperwork and correspondence in an office. Earlier, Okoji (2008) argued that a person cannot be a secretary without attaining acceptance level of proficiency to the core subjects of secretarial training in shorthand among others. In Nigeria, among the skills required of a secretary, much emphasis is often laid on shorthand. This can be testified by the numerous newspaper advertisements for the post of secretaries demanding various speeds in shorthand. It is surprise that professional secretaries and scholars are still emphasizing shorthand skills despite the technological innovations in the modern offices. To this end, the researcher sought to assess the relevant of shorthand on job performance of secretaries in the automated offices.
In the past, Shorthand enjoyed a pride of place in secretarial profession. Knowledge and competency in the subject was considered very vital on office work of secretaries due to inherent benefits of facilitating dictation, production of amiable transcript with sufficient speed and accuracy. Today, technology is taking the world by surprise. By this, modern office machines and equipment such as computer, word processors, Tape Recorders, Dictating machines among others are being produced. According to Oludele (2008), technological innovation is changing the nature of office works and the office today is being largely automated with modern technologies. Sholagbade (2012) opines that technologies, such as speed typing and voice recognition software are taking the place of the former administrative art known as Shorthand. Earlier, Anyakoha (2002) and Akpomi (2003) opined that automated equipment have more convenience in office service delivery than Shorthand. As a result of these innovations, Adebusi (2001) recommended that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) should urgently reconsider de-emphasizing Shorthand and introducing full computer studies in Secretarial Education.
Despite the technological revolution in offices, the Association of Professional Secretaries in Nigeria insists that Shorthand is an anchor that every professional secretary must possess. High proficiency in Shorthand skill remains "indispensable criterion for selection and promotion of professional secretaries in most organizations in Nigeria. Amoor and Magaji (2015) reported that Shorthand is still relevant in the office operation of secretaries. The author stressed that no technology has completely render Shorthand obsolete. The arguments among scholars urge the researcher to undergo a study on the continued relevance of Shorthand in today's modern office operations of secretaries. The specific objectives of the study is to assess the perception of secretaries on: ( 1) the relevance of shorthand skills on report writing in modern offices operation; (2) the relevance of shorthand skills on minutetaking in modern offices operation; (3) the relevance of shorthand skills on recording instructions in modern offices operation; (4) the relevance of shorthand skills on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation; (5) the relevance of Shorthand skills on mails and information processing function of Secretaries in modern offices operation; and (6) the relevance of Shorthand skill on time management in modern offices operation.

Research Questions
In line with the specific objectives, the following research questions were raised:-1. What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on report writing in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria? 2. What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on minute-taking in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria? 3. What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on recording instructions in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria?
Research on Humanities and Social Sciences www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5766 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0484 (Online) Vol.10, No.2, 2020 47 4. What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria? 5. What is Ascertain the relevance of Shorthand skills on mails and information processing function of Secretaries in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria? 6. What is the relevance of Shorthand skill on Secretaries time management in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria?

Research Hypotheses
In line with the specific objectives, the following research questions were raised: HO1 There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of shorthand skills on report writing in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria.

HO2
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of shorthand skills on minute-taking in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria.

HO3
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of shorthand skills on recording instructions in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria.

HO4
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of shorthand skills on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria.

HO5
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on mails and information processing function of Secretaries in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria HO6 There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of shorthand skills on time management in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria.

Conceptual Framework
The study is built on six cardinal functions of shorthand on the job performance of secretary in an office stipulated by Adam (2015) and Ejeka (2017). According to scholars, a shorthand skill improves the efficiency, credibility, accuracy, effectiveness, time management and job performance of secretaries. Amoor (2014) augured that shorthand skills is relevant to secretaries in report writing, minute taking, recording of instruction, writing down telephone messages, processing information and time management of secretaries. The major relevant of shorthand according to the framework is as presented in figure 1.  The proponents of the conceptual framework such as Whitehead (1977) maintained that the qualities required by the graduate office secretary include among others a wide range of shorthand skills of 100-120 wpm. The skills accounting to the author assist secretaries in area of spelling, sound knowledge of reprography, report writing and minute taking. Agboola, Ademiluyi and Ademiluyi (2014) maintained that pre-service secretaries must be proficient in typing and shorthand. The critics of this model maintained that with the advancement of technology and its role in the present day offices, secretaries are expected to be up to date in word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, database management and elementary accounting packages. The critic of the model maintained technology has silence the importance of shorthand in an office. Ejeka (2017) argued that at technological era, the millennium secretaries must be adept on the computer in word processing, spreadsheets, CorelDraw, and desktop publishing. Based on the trend of the argument, the conceptual framework was used to elicit information from professional secretaries on the relevant of shorthand on their office operation in an S shorthand skills Research on Humanities and Social Sciences www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5766 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0484 (Online) Vol.10, No.2, 2020 48 automated office.

Research Design
The design used in this study was descriptive survey. Survey research design according to Amoor (2014) is concerned with the collection of data for the purpose of describing and interpreting existing conditions, prevailing practices, beliefs and attitudes. The design is one of the most convenient ways to obtain facts and figures needed for a study in which the results of the analyses will be used for decision-taking and generalization. The use of the survey design is based on the advice of Jubrin (2011) who stated that, when a study involves a population or a sample of respondents from whom information is obtained either verbally or through questionnaire, the ideal design method to be adopted is the survey design. This design was considered appropriate for this study because it allowed the researcher to collect data from respondents and subject it statistical analysis.

Population and Sample of the Study
The population for this study comprised of the entire 203 professional secretaries who had Shorthand skills in public universities in North-East, Nigeria. The population was drawn from establish office in the public universities in North-East, Nigeria. Due to manageable size of the population, the researcher adopted Total Population Sample (TPS) for the study. Total population sample is the sample whereby the entire population will be used for the study (Crossman, 2018). Total population sampling a researcher chooses to examine the entire population that has one or more shared characteristics. The decision is based on recommendation of Glenn (2009) recommended that at Precision level of ±3%, if the sample is ≤ 1,000, Total Population Sample should be used for the study as seen in Appendix IV. Based on this submission, the entire population of 203 professional secretaries in an automated office was used for the study.

Instrument for Data Collection
The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire adapted questionnaire from Sarki (2015), Oguntimehin and Oludele (2017). The instrument titled Shorthand Relevance in Office Operations (SROO) contains sections A and B. Section A elicits the working experience of the respondents. Section B contains 53 items used to gather data that answered the research questions and test the null hypotheses. The items were constructed in a four (4) rating scale of Strongly agree (SA) 4 points, Agree (A) 3 points, Disagree (D) 2 points and Strongly disagree (SD) 1 point. Respondents were required to indicate their relative agreement with each item based on the scale.
To ensure that the instrument meets the expected standard, consultations were made with 2 experts in business education and 2 in Office Management and Secretarial Studies who vetted the instrument and considered it suitable for the study.
A pilot study was conducted using 40 secretaries, data collected from the pilot study was subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21. The software was used to run Cronbach's Alpha, a reliability coefficient. The computation gave a correlationcoefficient of 0.83.

Method of Data Collection
The instrument were distributed to respondents by the researcher assisted by 5 co-opted research assistants. Onthe-spot technique was employed in the distribution of the questionnaire. In this technique, the instrument was administered to the respondents and 2 hours was given for collection. This method reduced high frequency of missing or unreturned questionnaire. The exercise lasted for five weeks. The questionnaire retuned stood at 180 (88.67)

Method of Data Analysis
The data collected were analyzed in two stages. In the first stage, mean score and grand mean was used to answer the research questions. In answering the research questions, strongly agree and agree were classified as agree. A minimum mean score of 2.5 was used as benchmark for agree. Similarly, disagree and strongly disagree were classified as disagree and a mean score of less than 2.5 was considered as an index score for disagree.
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses. The choice of this tool is based on suggestion of Jibrin (2011) who opines that the use of ANOVA allows researcher(s) to test whether there is significant difference among three groups or more. In the analysis, where P≥ α, the null hypothesis was rejected and on the other hand where P ≤ α, the null hypothesis was retained. All hypotheses were tested at .05 confidence level of significance.

Results of Research Questions Research Question One
What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on report writing in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria?
The analysis of the 10 questionnaire items used to answer research question one presented in Table 1 revealed mean scores ranging between 2.83 to 2.06. The grand mean of obtained was less than the index score for agree (2.43<2.50) suggested that respondents disagree that Shorthand skills is relevant on Secretaries report writing in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria .

Research Question Two
What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on minute-taking in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria?
The analysis of the data used to answer research question two in Table 2 revealed the mean scores ranging between 2.63 and 2.33. The cumulative grand mean score of 2.46 obtained was less than the 2.50 index score for agreed. The result therefore suggested that secretaries disagree with relevant of Shorthand skills on minute-taking in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria.

Research Question Three
What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on recording instructions in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria?
The result in Table 3 used to answer research question three revealed the grand mean scores of 2.43 which was found to be less than the 2.50 benchmark for agreed. The result therefore suggested that secretaries disagree on the relevance of shorthand skills on recording instructions in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria

Research Question Four
What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria?
The result in Table 4 used to answer research question four revealed the grand mean scores of 2.45 which was found to be less than the 2.50 benchmark for agreed. The grand mean obtained revealed that secretaries disagree with the relevance of Shorthand skills on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation.

Research Question Five
What is the perception of Secretaries on the relevance of shorthand skills on mails and information processing functions in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria?
The analysis of the items used to answer research question five revealed the grand mean scores of 2.46 which was found to be less than index score of 2.5 for agree. The result revealed that Secretaries disagree with the relevance of Shorthand skills on mails and information processing function in modern offices operation in Northeast, Nigeria.

Research Question Six
What is the relevance of Shorthand skills on Secretaries time management in modern offices operation in North-East, Nigeria?
The grand mean of the 2.43 obtained was less that the 2.50 benchmark for agree indicated that the secretaries disagree with the relevance of Shorthand skills on time management in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria.

Results of Research Hypotheses Research Hypothesis One
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on report writing in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria.
The result of test of null hypothesis one in Table 7 revealed the F/2, .204 with p=.816. The p-value obtained was greater than the 0.05 level of significance. The result therefore suggested that no significant difference exist among the mean responses of the three groups of respondents on relevance of Shorthand skills on report writing in modern offices operation. The null hypothesis is therefore retained. The implication is that the three groups of the respondents shared the same opinions on the relevance of Shorthand skills on report writing in modern offices operation.

Research Hypothesis Two
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on minute-taking in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria.
The analysis of variance used to test null hypothesis two in Table 8 revealed F=2/8.574. The p-value was less than the alpha value (.000<0.05). The result therefore, indicated that there was significant difference among the mean response of the three groups of respondents on the relevance of Shorthand skills on minute-taking in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria. The Post-hoc test in Table 7B indicated the observed difference is from the respondents in groups 1 and 2. The hypothesis was therefore rejected.

Research Hypothesis Three
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on recording instructions in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria.
The result of null hypothesis three in Table 8 shows F/2, .055 with the p-value of .947. The obtained p-value was greater than the level of the significance (.947>0.05), the result shows that there was no significant difference among the respondents on the relevance of Shorthand skills on recording instructions in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria . The null hypothesis was therefore retained. The implication is that the three groups of students disagree with the relevance of Shorthand skills on recording instructions in modern offices operation.

Research Hypothesis Four
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria.
Analysis of variance in Table 9 used for testing null hypothesis four revealed the F/2, .193. The p-value of .825 obtained was greater than the 0.05 level of significance. The obtained p-value suggested that there was no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria . The hypothesis was therefore retained. This result indicated that the secretaries had the same opinion that Shorthand is not relevance of Shorthand skills on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation.

Research Hypothesis Five
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on mails and information processing function of Secretaries in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria The test of null hypothesis five in Table 10 shows F=2/, .033 with p-value of .968. The p-value was greater than the level of significance (.968>0.05), the result therefore shows that no significance difference exists among the mean responses on the three group of respondents on the relevance of Shorthand skills on mails and information processing function of Secretaries in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria . The null hypothesis was retained. The implication is that the secretaries shared the same opinion that Shorthand is not relevance of Shorthand skills on mails and information processing function of Secretaries in modern offices operation.

Research Hypothesis Six
There is no significant difference among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on time management in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria.
Analysis of variance in Table 11 used for testing null hypothesis six revealed the F/2, .011 with p=.989. The obtained p-value of .989 was greater than the 0.05 level of significance. The p-value obtained suggested that no significance difference exists among the mean responses of secretaries' based on their working experience on the relevance of Shorthand skills on time management in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria. The hypothesis was therefore retained. The result therefore shows that the three groups of respondents agree that Shorthand is not relevance of Shorthand skills on time management in modern offices operation.

Discussion of the Major Findings
The result of research question one and test of corresponding null hypothesis revealed that Shorthand skill is not relevant on Secretaries report writing in modern offices operation. The result agrees with the report of Dulek and Fielden, (1999) which states that secretaries now have many technologically advanced office gadgets to ease their jobs and enhance proficiency such as computer software programmes which helps the secretary to write and edit memos, letters and report, data management programs or data bases, which help the secretary to use long list of data and spreadsheet programs which handle tables and numbers. Hensan and Means (2009) reported that, electronic organizer or dictating machine takes down speeches through a microphone that is connected to a recorder, record speeches and then reproduces it like a photograph at a higher speed than with shorthand. Contrary to the finding, the study conducted by Sunday (2005) revealed that Shorthand is indispensable to secretarial profession, since Shorthand helps Secretaries in developing their Written and Oral English. Ademiluyi (2014), while assessing the continued relevance of the secretarial profession in the age of office technology, viewed effective secretarial practitioner as one who is able to arrange meetings, compile minutes and reports. In their reports, they concluded that secretarial practitioners are still needed in the office for taking telephone messages, taking dictations, recording minutes of meetings and receiving information in different formats. Since the abbreviated system of writing i.e. shorthand, is used where accurate and immediately legible recording of spoken English is required as is still the case in the contemporary office, it was concluded that Shorthand would still be relevant in office management.
The result of research question two and test of null hypothesis two revealed that Shorthand skill is not relevant on Secretaries minute-taking in modern offices operation. The finding agrees with the study Adebayo (2000) who reported that, improvement in technology may make Shorthand less useful in automated offices. Study conducted by Kombol (2006) revealed that in most cases, electronic mail has replaced letters in the post (snail mail), faxes have outmoded telegrams, computers are more efficient than typewriters and the traditional Shorthand has been overtaken by digital system. The author added that, on the whole, ICTs are based on satellite connections as opposed to world "stranded in wires"; texts, voice or pictures are sent over a large distance in seconds. Abosede and Akintola (2015) reported that the emergence of ICT which bring about modern office equipment has transformed not only the management functions but also imparted the secretarial duties and time management. The type of machines and gadgets that were used to produce, duplicate and store information has undergone a great transformation to cope with the growing world technology, as a result, the role of secretaries in the business set up has changed tremendously from that of typewriting, Shorthand dictation, answering of telephone calls and processing of mails to the usage of computers and other modern gadgets (Mumuni & Sam 2014). Contrary to the result, the study of Ambrose (2011) reported that Shorthand is still relevant despite the introduction of sophisticated machines in offices.
The result of research question three and test of null hypothesis three indicated that the three groups of respondents all agree that Shorthand skill is not relevant on Secretaries recording instructions in modern offices Research on Humanities and Social Sciences www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5766 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0484 (Online) Vol.10, No.2, 2020 55 operation. The result of the study affirmed the earlier report of Oludele (2008) who opined that technologies have changed the nature of office works and the office today is being largely automated with modern technologies as render Shorthand outdated. The author added that daily use of Shorthand and Typewriting skills has been greatly reduced in the public sector because more managers are getting involved in word processing, resulting from office automation. The role of secretaries in business has changed tremendously from that of typewriting and Shorthand dictation, answering of telephone calls and processing of mails. Today's secretaries are exposed to office technology including the internet that make work much easier and knowledge more accessible (Edwin, 2008). Sholagbade (2012) opines that technologies, such as speed typing and voice recognition software have taken the place of the former administrative art known as Shorthand. Contrary to the result, Agboola, Ademiluyi and Ademiluyi (2014), while assessing the continued relevance of the secretarial profession in the age of office technology, viewed effective secretarial practitioner as one who is able to arrange meetings, compile minutes and reports. In their reports, they concluded that secretarial practitioners are still needed in the office for taking telephone messages, taking dictations, recording minutes of meetings and receiving information in different formats. Since the abbreviated system of writing i.e. shorthand, is used where accurate and immediately legible recording of spoken English.
The result of research question four and test of corresponding null hypothesis indicated that secretaries disagree that Shorthand skill is relevant on taking down telephone calls in modern offices operation. The result is in line with the report of Akpomi (2003) which revealed that in the era of computers and information technology which has become an enabler of greater convenience have affected the place of shorthand. The author stressed that secretaries now have many technologically advanced office gadgets to ease their jobs and enhance proficiency and productivity leading to improved access to goods and services globally. The study of Hensan and Means (2009) revealed that electronic organizer or dictating machine takes down speeches through a microphone that is connected to a recorder, record speeches and then reproduces it like a photograph at a higher speed than with shorthand. Contrary to the finding, Adebusi (2001) reported that Shorthand cuts across a wide range of professionals and formal training on Shorthand will enhance better productivity. Study conducted by Silvia, Joseph and Eunice (2011) revealed that Shorthand as imparting skills of work organization and mental alertness that are crucial in the undertaking of the multiple tasks of a secretary irrespective of whether there will be Shorthand dictation or not.
Result of research question five and test of null hypothesis five shows that the three groups of respondents disagree that Shorthand skill is relevant on mails and information processing function of Secretaries in modern offices operation. The outcome of the study is in line with the earlier study conducted Agomuo (2005) which revealed that modern office skills which allow words, sentences and paragraphs to be manipulated through the use of word processor as render Shorthand less relevant. The efficiency and effectiveness of the secretary in every business organization this days does not depend on Shorthand skills rather the availability of office technologies as well as the skills and competencies of the secretary (Okoji, 2008).According to Azuka (2009) secretarial functions which were previously done manually using Shorthand skills for mailing and recording have been mechanized or automated. Adam (2011) reported that technology which is replacing the traditional ways of data processing has provided new sources of information, new ways of collecting it, storing it, and processing it, and new methods of communicating it. The study conducted by Okoro (2017) revealed that improvement in office technology may make Shorthand less useful in modern offices; there was no empirical evidence to suggest that Shorthand skill is archaic. Today's secretaries are exposed to office technology including the internet that make work much easier and knowledge more accessible (Edwin, 2008). The author added that it is now easier to send messages by telex, electronic mails (e-mails), fax and telephones compare to the traditional method of posting. Contrary to the finding, Ogunyinka (2000) reported that Shorthand has come to stay, though seen as a vocational and not educational course. Yet it has been discovered that it has educational values.
The result of research question six and test of corresponding null hypothesis shows that all the three groups of respondents disagree with the relevant of Shorthand skill on time management of secretaries in modern offices operation in North-east, Nigeria. The finding is in line with the report of Akpomi (2003) which states that the use of Shorthand is time wastage. The author added that technological advanced office equipment enhance proficiency and productivity. An automated office, obviously, grants the secretary new roles and responsibilities and help in time management. According to Oludele (2008) technological innovations have changed the nature of office works and the office today is being largely automated with modern technologies. Daily use of Shorthand and Typewriting skills has been greatly reduced in the public sector because more managers are getting involved in word processing, resulting from office automation. Word processing software provides features for spelling and grammar check, auto-margin set and templates for various display of work. Akpomi and Ordu (2009) which states the use of Shorthand is waste of time. The author stressed that that new technological equipment has altered the procedure and technique for office functions. They mentioned electronic mail/commerce, voice mail, smart phones and internet as examples. Sholagbade (2012) opines that technologies, such as speed typing and voice recognition software have taken the place of the former administrative art known as Shorthand.
Contrary to the finding, the study conducted by Abdul-Kahar (2015) reported that Shorthand is another skill that a secretary should possess in order to write fast and then transcribe them (typing) into plain English text for ordinary person's understanding. In fact, short hand is actually a secret writing whereby if you have never studied or learnt it you can never read or figure out what is being written or said. Oguntimehin and Oludele (2017) reported that availability of auto-recording facility does not remove the relevance of Shorthand in taking down oral information via the telephone, neither do computer voice recognition software, spell and grammar check facility displace the relevance of Typewriting skills in mail processing. Okoro (2017) suggested that in the next round of curriculum review, Shorthand should be expunged to give way to modern automated equipment. This situation led many scholars to recommend that modern office technology and information systems should be integrated into the curriculum of secretarial education as Shorthand has lost its relevance.

Conclusion
The results of the study showed that the relevant of Shorthand skills on the job performance of secretaries in the modern office has reduced as a result of availability of modern office technology. It is not farfetched to infer from the foregoing that office technology which provides the secretary with additional opportunity for automatic finetuning of concrete documents or transmission of information devoid of ambiguities has rendered Shorthand skills obsolete. It therefore means that the efficiency and effectiveness of the secretary in office operation depends on their knowledge and skills on operation of modern office technology. By implication, future secretaries without requisite skills on operation of modern office gadgets will have no place in the labour market. This will increase the number of unemployment in the country.