An assessment of the use of information technology facilities for academic pursuit

Authors: Emojorho, Daniel; Adomi, Awhefe

Source: The Electronic Library, Volume 24, Number 5, 2006 , pp. 706-713(8)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Purpose ? This study is aimed at looking at the extent to which staff of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, are acquainted with and use information technology facilities for academic pursuit. Design/methodology/approach ? The main instruments used for collecting data were questionnaires and interviews. Simple percentage was the statistical method employed. Findings ? Data gathered through the use of the questionnaire and interviews reveal that most of the staff are not only aware of the existence of information technology (IT) facilities, but also employ them to satisfy their academic desires. From the study, epileptic power supply was adjudged the worst problem encountered in the use of IT facilities, while other problems include high internet service charges, unreliable telecommunication infrastructure, internet traffic congestion due to limited bandwidth and unsatisfactory performance of internet service provider. Originality/value ? The study acts as an eye-opener to the staff and management of Delta State University, those of institutions of higher learning in Nigeria as a whole, as well as the government of the day, as to the true state of affairs relative to how far and well we have advanced in the application of IT for developmental purposes in a world that has gone so far in it, and try as much as possible to bridge the gap.

Keywords: Academic staff; Communiction technologies; Information facilities; Nigeria; Universities

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/02640470610707295

Publication date: 2006-09-01