COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS NEEDED BY OFFICE MANAGERS FOR EFFECTIVE JOB PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES (CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILESA, ILESA, OSUN STATE)

This study examined the collaboration and communication skills needed by office managers for effective job performance in Nigerian universities, using the University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State as a case study. The research was motivated by the increasing demand for efficient administrative coordination, teamwork, and information flow in tertiary institutions. The study specifically identified the communication skills required by office managers, examined collaboration practices within university offices, and determined the influence of these skills on job performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised office managers and administrative staff of the University of Ilesa, while a structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that effective verbal and written communication, active listening, interpersonal relations, teamwork, conflict management, and digital communication skills are essential for office managers’ effectiveness. The study also found that collaboration among departments improves workflow, reduces errors, enhances decision-making, and promotes productivity. However, inadequate training, poor communication channels, and lack of teamwork culture were identified as challenges affecting office managers’ performance. The study concluded that collaboration and communication skills significantly enhance office managers’ job performance in Nigerian universities. It recommended that university management should organize regular training, encourage teamwork, provide modern communication tools, and establish clear communication channels to improve administrative efficiency.