Internet access and use: A study of undergraduate students in three Nigerian universities

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and level of internet access and usernby undergraduate students in three Nigerian universities as well as the electronic resources used byrnthese students on the internet.rnDesign/methodology/approach - A questionnaire survey was the research method used for datarncollection. Questionnaires were distributed to undergraduate students in three public universities inrnNigeria: University of Calabar, Calabar; University of Uyo, Uyo, and Rivers State University of Sciencernand Technology, Port Harcourt.rnFindings - The findings of the study reveal that the internet is extensively used by undergraduaternstudents in the surveyed universities. There is inequitable access to the internet, as students mostlyrnrely on private/commercial internet cybercafes - both on and off campuses - for their access and use.rnAccess to the internet in the university libraries, departments/faculties and university computer/ICTrncenters is grossly poor; this is due to lack of poor internet infrastructure and connectivity andrnnon-sustainable internet services in these universities. In spite of the extensive use of the internet, therernexists a poor level of use of electronic resources such as the electronic journals and online databasesrnwhich are essential for learning and research. The findings of the study have also revealed the need forrneffective user education on internet access and use in university libraries in Nigeria for optimalrnutilization of electronic information sources.rnOriginality/value - The paper will be useful for those in decision-making roles as it reveals the needrnfor the provision of relevant internet infrastructural facilities in Nigerian universities to enhancernequitable and sustainable access to the internet by the students to support their academic activities.