Relationship Between the Application of ICT and Effective Planning in Federal Universities of Northern Nigeria

Information and communications technology (ICT) plays a vital role in enhancing planning effectiveness in higher education institutions. This study investigated the relationship between ICT application and effective planning in federal universities in Northern Nigeria. A correlational research design was used with population is ten thousand five hundred and seventy-seven (10,577) staff and the sample size of 2,114 university staff. The sapling procedure was simple random sampling; proportionate sampling and accidental sampling. Participants completed a modified likert scale questionnaire measuring ICT use and effective planning. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages was used. At a significance level of 0.05, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMCC) was employed to evaluate the formulated null hypotheses. Results showed a significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.528, p < 0.05) between ICT application and effective planning, indicating technology use associates with improved planning. The findings were that there is significant relationship between the application of ICT and effective planning in Federal Universities of Northern Nigeria. Based on these conclusions, it is recommended that universities develop ICT plans integrated with their strategic goals, while conducting regular evaluations to refine technology management practices. This will empower effective data-driven and collaborative planning activities. The study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between ICT capabilities and planning effectiveness in Nigerian higher education.