INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR QUALITY EDUCATION DELIVERY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper discussed information and communication technology for quality education delivery in public schools in Nigeria. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a broad term that encompasses the technologies, tools, and systems used for the acquisition, storage, processing, and communication of information. In Nigeria, leveraging ICT for education is essential to address challenges and bridge gaps in the traditional educational system. The integration of ICT in education prepares students and educators for the digital age, equipping them with essential skills for the 21st century. The paper identified the potential contributions of information and communication technology for quality education delivery in public schools in Nigeria, which includes: Enhancing Access and Inclusivity, Personalized Learning Experiences, Fostering Collaborative Learning, Enabling Professional Development for Educators, Improving Assessment Strategies, Interactive Teaching Methods, Facilitation of Blended Learning and Efficient Administration and Learning Management. Also, identified the challenges confronting the holistic implementation of information and communication technology for quality education delivery, which are: Digital Divide, inadequate technological infrastructure, Low Teacher Readiness and Training, Resistance to Change, Low Quality of Online Content, Lack of Data Security and Privacy, Lack of Maintenance and Sustainability etc. The paper likewise identified the Strategies for Curbing the Challenges, which includes: Bridging the Digital Divide, Investment in Technological Infrastructure, Comprehensive Teacher Training, Addressing Resistance to Change, Quality 
Assurance of Online Content, Sustainable ICT Maintenance etc. It therefore concluded that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) stands as a transformative force in the realm of education, promising to redefine the landscape of quality education delivery. The paper made some outstanding suggestions that; the Federal Government in collaboration with the States Government should develop and implement user-friendly e-learning platforms that encourage active participation, collaboration, and real-time feedback, creating an immersive and engaging learning experience. The government should encourage the creation and utilization of OER to provide freely accessible, high-quality educational materials, reducing costs and enhancing the accessibility of resources for both educators and students.