Challenges of Massive Application of Information Technologies in Niger Delta Universities in Nigeria

Abstract

Effective diffusion of information technology and related initiatives in African Universities is hindered by various barriers. The paper investigated the challenges of massive application of information technology (IT) in Niger Delta universities in Nigeria. The research design was survey design, while the population consisted of lecturers from four federal universities in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A sample of 654 (males 370 (56.6%); females 284 (43.4%) lecturers was selected through the use of stratified random sampling technique (each university forming a stratum from which the sample was randomly selected). The researchers prepared an 18- item instrument called “Information Technologies Application Questionnaire” for use in data collection, using 4-point Likert-scale response format of strongly agree, agree, disagree, and strongly disagree. The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of .75, using Kuder-Richardson 21 formula. Independent t-test and Multiple Regression analysis were employed in analysing data. Findings showed that there is significant influence of human capital, infrastructural and institutional factors (tob = 8.40, 7.87, 8.06 respectively at .05). Research report of joint influence of the challenges indicated that all the variables exerted significant influence on massive application (i.e. on low utilization) of IT in the Universities, with poverty and poor internet access leading the rest. It was recommended that identified barriers should be urgently and aggressively addressed; while universities should be equipped with necessary IT facilities and equipment alongside instituting viable interconnectivity within and amongst the institutions for productivity and effectiveness.

Keywords: Challenges, diffusing, IT educational initiatives, Nigeria