Perception and Attitude towards Information and Knowledge Sharing Practices among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria: A Review of Literature

Abstract

This paper underscores the students’ perception of knowledge sharing practices as an enabler for enhancing academic and research activities in tertiary institutions. Despite the numerous digital-driven resources to open access to information in our tertiary institutions and academic as well as research communities, the adoption of knowledge-sharing practices seems not evident enough to measure up the initiatives. Researchers, scholars, and particularly students in tertiary institutions need to embrace knowledge sharing practices in pursuit of innovation and competitiveness. This paper, therefore, highlights the benefits of knowledge sharing as well as the challenges it faces. This paper applied content analysis in terms of review of both print and electronic resources as a methodology based on identified objectives. The review found that knowledge sharing is key to innovation, but has not been fully embraced by the student community as should. The paper suggested some ways in which knowledge sharing can be enhanced among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Major recommendations included aggressive sensitisation on the benefits of sharing knowledge and incentives not only to the targeted but also to the stakeholders. The study also recommended a dedicated office for research networking, collaboration, and coordination, purposes. The paper proposes future research into investigating institutionalisation and integration of knowledge sharing and possible approaches that would encourage voluntary knowledge generation and inter-sharing among students in tertiary institutions.