Adeloye, Anthony; (2000) The extent of usage and adoption of information technology in Nigeria with particular reference to the financial sector of the economy: Some perceived benefits and problems. Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Nigeria on the whole, like the majority of countries in Africa, may still be less computerised than the fast developing countries of Asia, but the use of IT in Nigeria is increasing rapidly albeit haphazardly, particularly in the private sector of the Nigerian economy. In the public sector the use of IT is often taken for granted. The chief aim of the research is to identify the extent to which IT, particularly computer networks such as Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) have actually penetrated both the private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy and to analyse some of the problems encountered in acquiring IT which from the point of view of Nigeria and many developing countries is an imported technology. The research also looks at how IT is currently used in Nigeria and attitudes concerning IT. A postal questionnaire and recorded interviewing sessions were used to carry out the study. The overall results of the study showed that the use of and awareness of IT in Nigeria are rather mixed. On the whole, the private sector appears to be more aware of the benefits of IT. There is however, a general awareness of IT in both sectors of the need to use computer networks. The absence of an effective strategy among government institutions allied with lack of funds, and of skilled personnel and a poor infrastructure, for example poor telephone services and a lack of regular electricity supply appear to contribute to the lack of general awareness of the importance of IT in the public sector. In conclusion, the study notes that Nigeria is faced with the possibility of falling behind the rest of its major competitors if it fails to make efforts to upgrade the status of IT in both the private and public sectors. Some remedial measures, such as the industrial policy interventions adopted by the government of Singapore and other East Asian countries in co-operation with private firms are recommended that might help not only Nigeria to correct the situation but also other developing countries. The role of the government in influencing the nature and organisations which provide the information infrastructure is emphasised.

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