Extent of the Implementation of ICT in Library Schools' Curriculum in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was to determine the extent of the implementation of ICT at undergraduate level in Library Schools in Northern Nigeria. Survey research was adopted to study the ICT courses of undergraduate programme in four Library Schools in Northern Nigeria, namely: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Bayero University, Kano; University of Maiduguri and Federal University of Technology, Minna. The study involves the use of data collection instruments/techniques such as documentary sources (Departmental Handbook, List of Undergraduate Courses, Approved Minimum academic Standards for all Nigerian Universities 1999); questionnaire, interview and observation. The target population includes ICT Course lecturers, system analysts as well as Heads of computer laboratories. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse data. Responses shows that out of the four Library Schools studied, three have gone beyond NUC (1999) Minimum Academic Standards, although, all the four Library Schools run divergent curriculum as individual library school design, review, modify and incorporate ICT courses in the entire undergraduate curriculum. There exist inadequate system analysts and computers in computer laboratories. Only one Library School’s Computer Laboratory has system analysts. The same Library School also borrowed ICT courses from the Department of Mathematics/Computer Science in such a way that undergraduate students are made to offer ICT courses in that department. It was concluded that Library Schools in Northern Nigeria to a large extent do not operate uniform curriculum and that ICT has not been fully implemented in the sense that computers and system analysts are inadequate. Recommendations were proffered, including that the ICT courses should be offered and taught in Library Schools while system analysts/technicians be employed to mann computer laboratories. Adequate computers should be procured to cater for the teaming student population.