Survey of the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) In Public Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State

Information and communication Technology (ICT) is the bedrock of any development, spanning from simple household chores to administration of small, medium, large and extra-large scale businesses including the administration of secondary schools. The recent introduction of computer-based examinations in secondary schools calls for the survey of the state of ICT facilities in our secondary schools especially those in Akwa Ibom state. Thus, this study is aimed at examining the state of facilities necessary for proper administration of secondary schools in Akwa Ibom state. It started with a self-study of the facilities in selected secondary schools through observations to obtain quantitative data. This was followed with an administration of questionnaires to 50 secondary schools administrative staff and teachers to collect qualitative data. The datasets collected were analysed using simple averaging technique. A startling revelation shows that only 4 out of the 50 respondents admitted the existence of a computer (laptop or desktop) in their schools with none of them having a website or internet connectivity. Administration is still conducted in the old fashioned, analog method with typewriting and long hands used in writing memos to staff. Computation of students’ terminal results and staff‘s emoluments are still done with pen and paper. It was however observed that most staff (80 %) communicate through GSM phones and Whatsapp platforms. Another revelation worthy of note is that 64% of the staff are semi computer literate with the remaining ones not being literate at all. With these findings, it is apt to conclude that the level of computer literacy of the staff has impacted negatively on the willingness to acquire the ICT facilities. To this end, Government and other education stakeholders including parents of the students are enjoined to work assiduously toward an overhaul of the administrative structure of secondary schools in Akwa Ibom state with the view of improving on it as a step to preparing the students for a fully ICT-based education at all levels.