1.1 Introduction
ICT is a broader term for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which refers to all communication technologies, including the internet, wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middleware, video-conferencing, social networking, and other media applications and services enabling users to access, retrieve, store, transmit, and manipulate information in a digital form. Similarly, ICTs are also used to refer to the convergence of media technology such as audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks, by means of a unified system of cabling or link system. However, there is no universally accepted definition of ICTs considering that the concepts, methods and tools involved in ICTs are steadily evolving on an almost daily basis (FAO, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of the Study
The world today is shaped by the advancement in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The relevance of Information and Communication Technology to the developments of individuals or organizations, nations and the entire world cannot be over emphasized, (Oyekanmi 2005). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is therefore seeing as the driving force and enabler for socio-economic developments in most countries (National ICT Policy and Plan Committee Development, 2004).
Information technology is a body of tools with the convergence of communication and computer. It is also series of machine, which can execute sequence of instructions. The sequence of instruction is a program made particularly flexible and not rigid and can be change depending on the information being processed (Goldberg, 2009).
Nigeria has come to realize this fact and government at various levels in the country and also adopted this technology towards the overall growth and development of the society. The use of ICT in governance is expected to improve decision making, increase citizen participation in economic development, support the modern work force, enhance social well being and narrow the digital divide, (Oyekanmis 2005).
One of the areas in which government has strove to make the impact of ICT felt are the ministries. Government ministries are known for gathering, processing, and storing a wide variety of information’s needed for immediate or future purposes. These tasks; however onerouseus they appear are the ones which ICT seek to provide an easy and convenient way of accomplishing (Mertz, 2004).
Notwithstanding, Mertz (2004) argues that government ministries in developing communities still have trouble making effective use of ICT. They try to move forward in using ICT but often do not have the vision and experiences on how to do so. Once they make ICT investments, it can be difficult to hire experienced technical staff and educate exciting administrative and program staff. Training is expensive; short lived and seldom fits the individual needs of organization.
It is against this backdrop that this study looks at the role of ICT in the service delivery of Anambra State Ministry of Education.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Investigation revealed that service delivery in any government ministry involves a wide range of activities such as policy formulation, budget preparation, then drafting of bills, public enlightenment, keeping of official documents etc. (Dibier, 2003). In trying to accomplish this tasks ministries more often than not relay on information’s and communication Technology (ICT) device in gathering, processing and storing a wide varieties of Information required for immediate or future purposes as regards to this activities.
However, Mertz (2004) urge that government ministries in developing communities still have troubles making effective use of Information and Communication Technology. They try to move forward using ICT, but often do not have the visions and experience in how to do so. Then once they make ICT Investments, it can be difficult to hire an experienced technical support staff and to educate existing administrative and program staff. Training is expensive short lived and seldom fits the individual needs of the organization.
It is against this backdrop that this study looks at the Anambra State Ministry of Education.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Service Delivery at the Anambra State Ministry of Education. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the impact of Information and Communications Technology in service delivery at Anambra State Ministry of Education;
- To identify the constraints to the effective use of ICT in service delivery at the Anambra State Ministry of Education; and
- To recommends solution to the problems of effective Information and Communication Technology utilization in Anambra State Ministry of Education.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- To what extent has the use of ICT in Anambra State Ministry of Education?
- What are the Constraints to the effective use of ICT in the service delivery of Anambra State Ministry of Education?
- What is the solution to the problems of effective Information and Communication Technology utilization in Anambra State Ministry of Education?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: The use of ICT in Anambra State Ministry of Education has not had a positive impact on service delivery.
- H1: The use of ICT in Anambra State Ministry of Education has a positive impact on service delivery.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The Constraints to the effective use of ICT in the service delivery at the Anambra State Ministry of Education are the low cost of procuring ICT device and inadequate ICT literacy.
- H1: The Constraints to the effective use of ICT in the service delivery at the Anambra State Ministry of Education are the low cost of procuring ICT device and inadequate ICT literacy.
1.7 Significance of Study
The study is important because:
- It will provide policy makers and implementers with relevant Information and ICT device and how they can be useful in government circles.
- It will provide ICT designers with information’s on the right kind of device that will suite public sectors purposes.
- The Anambra State Ministry of Education will also find useful Information on how to integrate ICT with their work in order to spur service delivery.
- It will provide those in the academic, students and scholars alike with information that will eventually prove useful in the course of further research.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research focuses on the Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Service Delivery at the Anambra State Ministry of Education.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
For clarification purposes we shall define a number of terms used in this work. The terms are however defined in relation to how they have been employed in the research.
ICT: ICT (Information and Communication Technology) covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form.
IT: Information Technology
Service Delivery: The manner in which certain needs are met
E-Government: Also known as electronic government it involves the integration of information and communication technology with the processes of governing a people.
