Keywords
ICT access
Internet Accessibility
Digital Academic Resources
ICT Skill level
Academic Research Performance
Nigerian Public Universities
Internet Accessibility
Digital Academic Resources
ICT Skill level
Academic Research Performance
Nigerian Public Universities
Abstract
Ideally, universities are expected to function within a digitally advanced environment where adequate ICT access supports high levels of academic research performance. In such a setting, academic staff would have reliable internet connectivity, unrestricted access to digital academic resources, and sufficient ICT competencies to effectively conduct research activities. This study examined the influence of ICT access on academic research performance in Nigerian public universities. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from academic staff across selected public universities in the North-Central region of Nigeria. The sample size of 418 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, out of which 380 valid responses were analysed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha, while content validity was ensured through expert review. Simple regression analysis was employed using SPSS version 27 to test the study hypotheses. The findings revealed that internet accessibility had a significant positive effect on research productivity. Access to digital academic resources was also found to significantly influence research quality, while ICT skill level significantly affected research efficiency. The study concluded that ICT access is a key determinant of academic research performance in Nigerian public universities, as improvements in digital connectivity, resource availability, and user competence collectively enhance research output, quality, and efficiency. Based on these findings, the study recommended that universities should improve internet infrastructure, expand access to digital academic resources, and provide continuous ICT training for academic staff. These measures would strengthen research performance and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian public universities.
References
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Ogunyade, T. O., & Oyibo, K. (2017). The use of ICT in enhancing research output in Nigerian universities. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 13(2), 46–60.
Oyovwe-Tinuoye, G., Omeluzor, S. U., & Osaze Patrick, I. (2021). Influence of ICT skills on job performance of librarians in university libraries of South-South, Nigeria. Information Development.
Phon, S., & Ali, D. (2025). Navigating the new digital landscape: The role of ICT accessibility and competency in enhancing educational quality in Cambodian public higher education. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation.
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Shehu, H., Undie, F., Ogbonna, J., Ekpang, P., Malinga, R., Muriithi, I., Obim, I., Sugbaza, M., Sadiq, F., & Ibrahim, I. (2025). Digital bridges and persistent rifts: assessing the role of ICT in knowledge sharing in South-South Nigerian university libraries. Journal of Applied Science, Information and Computing. 6(1), 158 -168.
Shomoye, M. A., Adelakun, N. O., & Adebisi, K. L. (2023). Exploring the use of electronic resources for undergraduate learning at the National Open University of Nigeria in Kwara State. WSEAS Transactions on Computers.
Shonhe, L. (2020). Continuous Professional Development (CPD) of librarians: A bibliometric analysis of research productivity viewed through WoS. The Journal of Academic Librarianship.
Tenopir, C., Volentine, R., & King, D. W. (2017). Scholarly reading and the value of academic library collections: Results of a study in six universities. Insights, 30(1), 35–48.
Umar, M., & Babalola, Y. (2021). ICT use as determinant of research productivity of academic staff of federal universities in North-East, Nigeria. Journal of Library Services and Technologies. 3(2), 10 – 19, 2021.
Van Dijk, J. (2013). The deepening divide: Inequality in the information society. Sage Publications.
Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425–478.
Watsilla, H., &Vajjhala, N. (2020). Knowledge Management in Academic: A Perspective of Academic Research Contribution to Economic Development of a Nation. , 14, 180-184.
World Bank. (2020). Digital economy for Africa initiative. World Bank Publications.
Abubakar, M., & Akor, P. (2017). Availability and utilization of electronic information databases for research by agricultural scientists in federal university libraries in North Central Nigeria.
Adewusi, B., & Jegede, O. (2025). Macro-level determinants of research output in Nigerian knowledge institutions: A case study of ICT researchers. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 17, 963 - 978..
Adomi, E. E., & Kpangban, E. (2010). Application of ICTs in Nigerian secondary schools. Library Philosophy and Practice, 345, 1–8.
Altbach, P. G., & Salmi, J. (2011). The road to academic excellence: The making of world-class research universities. World Bank.
Ani, O. (2013). Accessibility And Utilization of Electronic Information Resources for Research and Its Effect on Productivity of Academic Staff in Selected Nigerian Universities Between 2005 and 2012.
Ani, O. E., Ngulube, P., & Onyancha, O. B. (2015). Perceived effect of accessibility and utilization of electronic information resources on productivity of academic staff in selected Nigerian universities. SAGE Open, 5(4), 1–10.
Ani, O., Ngulube, P., & Onyancha, B. (2014). Effect of Accessibility and Utilization of Electronic Information Resources on Productivity of Academic Staff in Selected Nigerian Universities. Science and research, 2, 166..
Ani, O., Ngulube, P., & Onyancha, B. (2015). Perceived Effect of Accessibility and Utilization of Electronic Resources on Productivity of Academic Staff in Selected Nigerian Universities. SAGE Open, 5.
Apuke, O., &Iyendo, T. (2018). University students' usage of the internet resources for research and learning: forms of access and perceptions of utility. Heliyon, 4.
Arumuru, L., & Toyo, O. D. (2024). The impact of instructional resources on academic achievement: A study of Library and Information Science postgraduates in Nigeria. Asian Journal of Information Science and Technology.
Asaju, K., & Ogar, O. B. (2022). The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its implications on academic excellence in Federal University Wukari, Taraba State. Journal of Emerging Technologies.
Babalola, Y., & Umar, M. Y. (2021). Influence of information literacy skills on research productivity of academic staff of federal universities in North-eastern Nigeria. Library and Information Perspectives and Research.
Bieniose, I., & Patience, B. (2025). Assessing the Impact of ICT Integration on Learning Outcomes in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. Journal of Science Innovation and Technology Research. 8(9).
Bland, C. J., Center, B. A., Finstad, D. A., Risbey, K. R., & Staples, J. G. (2005). A theoretical, practical, predictive model of faculty and department research productivity. Academic Medicine, 80(3), 225–237.
Castells, M. (2010). The rise of the network society (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Chowdhury, S. A., Cross, B., Hainey, T., & Baxter, G. (2025). ICT integration in higher education sector of developing countries: A systematic review. Journal of Science of Learning and Innovations. Advance online publication.
Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340.
Drucker, P. F. (1999). Management challenges for the 21st century. HarperCollins.
Elizabeth, O., & Uwem, S. (2016). Information Literacy, Research, Scholarship and Publication; Comparative of PhD Students in Nigerian and South African Universities. Revista Brasileira de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento, 5, 458-474..
Eze, S. C., Chinedu-Eze, V. C., & Bello, A. O. (2018). The utilisation of e-learning facilities in the educational delivery system of Nigeria: A study of M-University. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education.
Ferede, B., Elen, J., Petegem, W. V., Hunde, A. B., & Goeman, K. (2021). Determinants of instructors’ educational ICT use in Ethiopian higher education. Education and Information Technologies, 26(4), 4567–4589.
Ferede, B., Elen, J., van Petegem, W., Hunde, A. B., & Goeman, K. (2022). Instructors’ educational ICT use in higher education in developing countries: Evidence from three Ethiopian universities. Journal of Computing in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-022-09312-3
Idhalama, O. U., Oredo, J., & Makori, E. O. (2025). Evaluating the availability and accessibility of digital resources and services in public university libraries in Nigeria. Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues.
Jegede, P. O. (2009). Age and ICT-related behaviours of higher education teachers in Nigeria. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 6, 771–777.
Karamti, C. (2016). Measuring the impact of ICTs on academic performance: Evidence from higher education in Tunisia. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 48(3), 163–178.
Loh, R. S. M., Kraaykamp, G., & van Hek, M. (2023). Do students’ ICT skills pay off in math performance? Examining the moderating role of countries’ ICT promotive environment. European Educational Research Journal. Advance online publication.
Moed, H. F. (2005). Citation analysis in research evaluation. Springer.
Odefunsho, O. A., Oladimeji, R. M., Bolaji, H. O., &Akinnubi, O. (2022). Lecturers' efficacy and readiness towards utilization of ICT for academic research in College of Education. Indonesian Journal of Teaching in Science.
OECD. (2019). Measuring the digital transformation: A roadmap for the future. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264311992-en
Ogunyade, T. O., & Oyibo, K. (2017). The use of ICT in enhancing research output in Nigerian universities. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 13(2), 46–60.
Oyovwe-Tinuoye, G., Omeluzor, S. U., & Osaze Patrick, I. (2021). Influence of ICT skills on job performance of librarians in university libraries of South-South, Nigeria. Information Development.
Phon, S., & Ali, D. (2025). Navigating the new digital landscape: The role of ICT accessibility and competency in enhancing educational quality in Cambodian public higher education. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation.
Remache, A., & Belarbi, A. (2019). Adapting ICT in higher education in the developing world: Influencing dynamics. International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, 12(3), 234–249.
Shehu, H., Undie, F., Ogbonna, J., Ekpang, P., Malinga, R., Muriithi, I., Obim, I., Sugbaza, M., Sadiq, F., & Ibrahim, I. (2025). Digital bridges and persistent rifts: assessing the role of ICT in knowledge sharing in South-South Nigerian university libraries. Journal of Applied Science, Information and Computing. 6(1), 158 -168.
Shomoye, M. A., Adelakun, N. O., & Adebisi, K. L. (2023). Exploring the use of electronic resources for undergraduate learning at the National Open University of Nigeria in Kwara State. WSEAS Transactions on Computers.
Shonhe, L. (2020). Continuous Professional Development (CPD) of librarians: A bibliometric analysis of research productivity viewed through WoS. The Journal of Academic Librarianship.
Tenopir, C., Volentine, R., & King, D. W. (2017). Scholarly reading and the value of academic library collections: Results of a study in six universities. Insights, 30(1), 35–48.
Umar, M., & Babalola, Y. (2021). ICT use as determinant of research productivity of academic staff of federal universities in North-East, Nigeria. Journal of Library Services and Technologies. 3(2), 10 – 19, 2021.
Van Dijk, J. (2013). The deepening divide: Inequality in the information society. Sage Publications.
Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425–478.
Watsilla, H., &Vajjhala, N. (2020). Knowledge Management in Academic: A Perspective of Academic Research Contribution to Economic Development of a Nation. , 14, 180-184.
World Bank. (2020). Digital economy for Africa initiative. World Bank Publications.