CHALLENGES TO THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF STUDENTS SERVICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOGI STATE

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is crucial in the management of individual and organisations. It helps managers to render services faster, reduces stress and bring about increased productivity. In trying to use  ICT, there are challenges that reduces its workability. The study is carried out to find out the challenges to  the utilization ICT in the management of student services in secondary schools in Kogi State. Descriptive research design was used for the study. The population for the study comprises 3500 secondary school teachers and 1200 senior administrative staff. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 1500 teachers and 300 senior administrative staff for the study. Researcher constructed questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts in educational administration and educational measurement and evaluation. Mean and standard deviation was used to analyze the research questions, while t-test of independent sample was used to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study showed that the administrative challenges facing the uses of ICT include: inadequate provision of ICT facilities, staff resistance to the uses of ICT, the technical challenges facing the uses of ICT include: poor connectivity, inadequate ICT engineers, the security challenges facing the uses of ICT include: activities of hackers, vanadalization of ICT facilities.. The study recommends, provision of funds for the purchase of ICT facilities, training of staff as technician and standard building for adequate security of ICT facilities as a way of reducing the challenges and improving the use of ICT for student services in secondary schools.