Effective Usage of Information and Communications Technology by Career Administrators in Tertiary Institutions: The Obafemi Awolowo University Experience

The study identified the information and communication technology tools used by career administrators in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; determined the level of ICT compliance in the performance of administrative tasks by the career administrators in the said institution; examined the attitude of the respondents to the adoption and use of information and communication technologies in performing administrative tasks; and identified the challenges militating against the optimum deployment of information and communication technologies by career administrators in the institution under reference. These were with the view to understanding the use of information and communication technologies by professional or career Administrators in the study area. Both primary and secondary data sources of data collection were employed for the study. The former were obtained through a structured questionnaire and complemented by an interview guide. Out of a study population of 109, 85 respondents were selected by a simple random technique. Secondary data were obtained from relevant university books and digests, previously published and unpublished studies related to the use of ICT in different sectors of national life, official documents and internet sources on ICT. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages. The study showed that access to basic ICT hardware such as desktop computers (85.8%) and printers (77.6%) in the workplace was fairly adequate, though, usage had to be negotiated in some instances. 92.9% of the respondents were able to use Microsoft Word and 5% were able to use Microsoft Access, while only 1.2% each were able to deploy the use of Prezi and Evernote in providing administrative services. The study also revealed that the major challenges militating against the maximal deployment of ICT tools by the respondents are epileptic power supply, unstable internet connectivity and the need to have to negotiate with other users of ICT hardware such as desktop, laptops and scanners in the workplace, before gaining access to such tools. The study concluded that information and communication technologies have been widely embraced by career Administrators in the University and this has to a large extent improved effectiveness, accuracy and efficiency in the area of service delivery. However, there was need for further training especially with regards to the use of some software with advanced features in Microsoft Word as well as Power Point, Prezi, Evernote, and Microsoft Access for improved administrative services in the University. Keywords: Information and Communications Technology; Higher Education Administration, Career Administrators, Prezi, Evernote DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-16-21 Publication date: August 31st 201