Title:
Understanding
Internet Penetration in Nigeria: A
Measure of Growth in Information and Communications Technology
Abstract: The current internet
penetration in Nigeria has viewed as a welcome development. Nigerians,
both the young and old are daily embracing internet connectivity. The
benefits offered by internet penetration such as e-mail, browsing,
telephony, chatting, research, e-registration, e-learning, e- passport
etc., are really appreciable in the country. This is reflected in the
rate at which students, universities, governmental institutions,
banking organizations, insurance organizations, religious bodies etc,
are penetrating the internet. This study was conducted to understand
and assess the growth of information and communications technology in
terms of internet penetration. Just recently, Nigeria launched its own
satellite communications known as NIGCOMSAT 1. However, in this study,
a total of 1252 participants took part in which 705(56.3%) were males
while 547 (43.7%) were females, with a mean age of 31.43 yrs (SD=6.64).
Questionnaire format was utilized for data gathering. Both the
descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized for data analysis.
The results showed that males reported more internet penetration than
females{t(1250)= 4.24, P<.01}; Young individuals reported more
internet utilization than old individuals{t(1250)=4.12, P<.01};
Single individuals reported more internet penetration than
married/divorced/separated individuals {t(1250)=3.66, P<.01}; that
individuals interested in chatting and e-mail facilities , web
browsing/research/business/telephony reported more internet penetration
than individuals who less involved interested{r(1250)=.23**,
P<.01}}. The results finally revealed that individuals that believed
in the efficacy of the newly launched NIGCOMSAT 1 in Nigeria reported
more internet penetration than individuals who did not belief in the
launch {t (1250) = 2.58, P<.01}. The results were adequately
discussed in relation to the existing bodies of literature. It was
therefore emphasized that Nigerian Governments at all levels should
encourage more individuals to be more information/communications
sensitive and as such should embrace internet in all its ramifications
Author: Solomon
Ojo