Information And Communication Technology And Distance Learning Delivery In Selected Nigerian Universities

ABSTRACT

The Nigerian government adopted the distance learning approach to increase access to tertiary

education. However, studies have been limited to implementation efforts with little focus on

learning delivery modalities. This study, therefore, examined the delivery and performance of

internet-mediated distance learning in selected Nigerian universities.

Based on structuration theory, the study adopted survey research design. Three universities with

established distance learning programme supported with ICT were selected; these were University

of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG) and National Open University of Nigeria

(NOUN). Using multistage sampling procedures, a semi-structured questionnaire was

administered to 179 (UI), 230 (UNILAG) and 461 (NOUN) proportionately selected students to

obtain data on socio-economic characteristics (e.g. age, gender, occupation, marital status),

knowledge and usage of internet and effect of virtual education on learning. Copies of another set

of questionnaire were administered to 35 (UI), 72 (UNILAG) and 93 (NOUN) purposively

selected tutors that identified the possible effects of internet-mediated learning. Eighteen FGD‟s

were conducted to the students based on their level of studies to identify challenges that may

impede adoption of internet-mediated learning. Nine KII and IDI were conducted with policy

makers and distance learning administrators respectively on viability of internet approach to

learning. A non-participant structured observation method was further deployed to check the

adequacy of facilities available in the three universities. Quantitative data were analysed using

descriptive statistics, chi-square and ordinal regression tests while qualitative data were content

analysed.

The age of the students was 34.5±9.6 years, 57.8% were females, 26.8% were married, and

62.2% were employed. Learning increased with higher internet accessibility (𝑥2=64.8;df=1