Information Technology Enabled Information Management in Tertiary Institutions in Delta State, Nigeria: Concept, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

This study examined the relevance of information Technology (IT) in the management of information in Tertiary institutions in Delta State, Nigeria owned Tertiary Institutions. The study was motivated by the ever increasing challenges of effective information delivery in our school system and IT enabled processes as a solution to overcoming the identified challenges. The study sample was made up of 800 (eight hundred) staff and students A questionnaire seeking the relevance(s) of IT in information management was used to answer the five research questions raised for the study. The study identified that they exist challenges affecting information management in our institutions. Findings revealed that; there is over-dependence on paper with processing information which has generated lots of records in the system, the acceptance of technology is hinged on the available financial resource of the institution, and power supply is a major problem for technology adoption. The low ranking of institutions in Nigeria is dependent on the low internet presence of the institutions and information available on the school's website. Arising from the study findings, some recommendations were made which include; sourcing of alternative electricity source, regular training and retraining, management and consultants should set a realistic time frame for executing IT projects, technology should not be seen as power to solving problems but a tool for realizing acceptable solution. The study established that there is relevance(s) of IT in the effective management of information in Tertiary institutions and the possibility of a paperless Tertiary education society in Delta State.