Relevance of information and communication technology in research development in Nigeria universities

Abstract

Research as the cradle of knowledge generation, denotes the crucial position of research in stimulating the fortunes of a nation and ensuring the well-being of the citizenry in this knowledge-based era. This rationalizes why lecturers are expected to engage in the generation of new knowledge and promptly disseminate their research results to both government and industries. Teaching and research have experienced a paradigm shift from the traditional method that is anchored on chalk and talk, pen and paper, towards a new style of teaching and conducting researches occasioned by Information and Communication Technology (ICT). To uphold this, ICT is now admitted to become a foundation for innovation and enhancement of efficiency for many professional practices and roles across the globe in research purpose. Relating to professional roles of lecturers, particularly, the application of ICT tools has massively revitalized and reinforced lecturers' statutory roles through the effective delivery of education curriculum by creating multiple channels of interaction and enhancing research productivity. As a result, ICT turned out to be a dire necessity for lecturers to survive in this era when traditional pen, chalkboard and paper are gradually becoming forgotten subjects. This implies that ICT is now a superior option in handling all the academic activities lecturers embark upon, research, an integral part.