A Study of Readiness of Nigeria's Higher Education for New Normal Service Delivery

Abstract

<strong>This paper investigated the readiness of Nigeria’s higher education for new normal service delivery. The study was specifically aimed at determining the means of accessing virtual classes in Nigerian higher institutions, the levels of ICT skills among faculties and students, the preferred mode of learning and service delivery in Nigerian higher institutions among others. The descriptive survey method was used for the study. The targeted population comprises academic Staff and students in selected higher institutions in Nigeria. Online survey questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was administered on respondents through e-mail and social media platforms. A total of 715 questionnaires were administered on respondents, but 600 were completed and returned. The respondents were made up of 200 academic staff and 400 undergraduate students in Nigerian higher institutions. This implies 84% return rate. Data were analyzed using graphical charts. The study found that mobile phones and laptop computers are main devices for accessing virtual classes in Nigerian higher institutions. It also found that Majority of Nigerian faculties and students have average ICT skills and their preferred mode of teaching and learning in classroom, but online services in the case of library services. Majority of Nigerian students and faculties use ICT/LMS to some extent. The perceived challenges to the adoption of virtual classes are lack of funds, lack of ICT skills, unreliable power supply, and poor internet services. The study recommended massive ICT deployment in higher institutions to facilitate the adoption of both virtual and classroom mode of education. The need for development of ICT skills to enable stakeholders participate effectively in virtual classes as well as the allocation of more funds to higher education for procurement of ICT, alternative power supply, and internet bandwidths was also recommended.</strong>