The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its implications on academic excellence in Federal University Wukari, Taraba State

Abstract

The use of ICT in undertaking major operations at Federal University Wukari is expected to change the ways public officials carry out their duties. Before the introduction of ICT, each departmental exam officer was expected to manually prepare and collate their students' results for adoption at the various levels of approval. The adoption of ICT in preparing students' results seems not to have gone down well with the exam officers. The study examines the perceptions of the exam officers towards the adoption of ICT in collating students’ results at the University. It also examines its implications on academic excellence in the university. The study is survey research, as such, primary and secondary data were collated. The data collected via the questionnaires were analysed quantitatively, while the other qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Findings revealed that the exam officers are not adequately informed and prepared for the change as it was forced on them suddenly by the school management. However, they all agreed that ICT has positively affected the preparation and collation of student results as it has greatly reduced errors and inconsistency, inaccuracy and stress associated with the former system. Although the use of ICT came with its problems, it has positively affected students’ academic accomplishments at the University. ICT was found more reliable and efficient in accomplishing an effective evaluation of students in the University. The study, therefore, suggests more training for exam officers on the use of ICT, and the provision of the necessary equipment required for the use of ICT, among others.