AN EXAMINATION OF THE USAGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY BY THE ACADEMIC STAFF OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA

AN EXAMINATION OF THE USAGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY BY THE ACADEMIC STAFF OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA

Abstract:

The study examined usage of basic computer applicationsand awareness, access and utilizationof academic e-resources, as well as the challenges encountered in the process, by the academic staff of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The study was anchored on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A survey method of communication research was employed with questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. A sample of 330 lecturers was drawn from the twelve faculties of the University using stratified probability sampling technique. The results showed that majority of the respondents across all the faculties use basically five computer applications; Microsoft word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Reader and SPSS. Also, there is high awareness with variation in access and utilization of various academic e-resources according to disciplines. However, academic e-resources that offer multidisciplinary resources and as well open access like Google Scholar, Research Gate, African journal online,Science Direct andDirectory of Open Access Journalsare mostly accessed and used by lecturers from the Faculties of Human Medicine, Veterinary medicine, Science, Agriculture and Pharmaceutical Sciences than their counterparts in the Faculties of Law, Education, Social Sciences, Arts, Environmental Design, Engineering and Administration. Lecturers who have low access and utilization levels of various computer applications and academic e-resources are largely challenged by low ICT skills, excess workload, technophobia and lack of reliable institutional internet facility and subscription to academic e-resources in the faculties. The study recommends improved ICT training for academic staff, complete Wi-Fi and LAN networking of the faculties and committed subscription to academic e-resources by the University. This should be backed up by a policy that emphasizes the use of e-platforms for research delivery, teaching and seminars by the academic staff.

AN EXAMINATION OF THE USAGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY BY THE ACADEMIC STAFF OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA