Introduction

Education

Information Profession & the Libraries

Health and Banking Sectors

Policies & Infrastructures

Conclusion

Introduction

The increasing spread of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) opens up new opportunities for developing countries to harness these technologies and services to serve their developmental goal (Mansell and Wehn, 1998). Apart from accelerating economic development and enhancing the lives of individuals, ICT has transformed available technologies, the means and methods of education, business, health care, and almost ever facet of human endeavor. Many developing countries have embraced information and communication technology and experiencing unprecedented economic growth as a result. Nigeria is one of the developing countries in Africa, and this annotated bibliography takes a look at the diffusion of ICT in various sectors in Nigeria

Diffussion of ICT in Educational Sectors

Aduwa-Ogiegbaen E.S and Iyamu S.O. (2005). Using Information and communication Technology in Secondary Schools in Nigeria : Problems and Prospects. Educational Technology & Society. Retrieved on 04/28/2005, from http://www.ifets.info/journals/8_1/13.pdf

The authors examine the problems and prospects of using of Information and Communication Technology in Secondary Schools in Nigeria . They agreed that when properly used in the field of education, ICT hold great promise to improve teaching and learning in addition to shaping workforce opportunities. They noted that to be a major player in the global market place and prepare her citizens for the new environment of today and the future, Nigeria should embrace ICT to aid in teaching and learning, as a tool for management, as an instrument for economic development, and as instrument of high technological development. Despite the numerous advantage of introducing ICT in secondary school, they observed that there has been steady decline in government's budgetary allocation to education. They also identified other factors hindering the adoption of ICT in secondary schools in Nigeria to include; high cost of computer hardware and software; weak infrastructure; lack of human skills and knowledge in ICT and lack of relevant software appropriate and culturally suitable to Nigeria . The authors lamented Nigerian's inability to join World Links of Development (WorLd), a program initiated by the World Bank in 1997, responsible for establishing computer laboratories and bring Internet connectivity to secondary schools in developing countries around the world. They concluded that to integrate computer into teaching and learning in Nigeria , there must be proper and adequate funding and financing of education by government with international bodies.

Authority of authors : The authors are professors at the department of Educational Psychology & Curriculum studies, University of Binin , Nigeria

Relevance: The article revealed the importance of exposing students to ICT at an early age in schools .

Coverage: The paper examined the prospects of adopting ICT in Nigerian secondary schools and also identifies the obstacle to the adoptions.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII:

Introducing students to ICT at an early age is another way to build and develop human capacity in ICT. Nigerian government must take initiative to source for assistance from international bodies that are willing to assist developing countries build their NII.

OKonedo B (2004).Okebukola draws roadmap for ICT in higher education, BusinessDay. Retrieved on 05/03/2005, from http://www.businessdayonline.com/index.php?fArticleId=4822

The article centered on the presentation of Prof. P. Okebukola the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission of Nigeria. The author quoted Okebukala when he indicated that in the lasts five years, over 60% of the universities have web presence and facilities for staff and students for Internet transactions. Noting that 50 percent of the Federal budget on education in 2004 was allocated to federal universities, which has helped in the development of ICT in Nigeria universities. While NUC has encouraged universities to use at least 20 percent of their teaching and research equipment grants for ICT development, it has been involved in implementing a number of ICT projects including library automation project; Nigerian Universities Management Information System; Nigerian University Network, National virtual library project and many others. Carnegie corporation and MacArthur foundation has been acknowledge to provide funds for the deployment of ICT in Nigeria higher educations institutions. Okebukola also stated that the process of producing a National ICT strategic plan document for Nigeria has been initiated by Government, through the Federal Ministry for Science and technology's National Information Technology development Agency and several universities have developed their strategic ICT plans, which will be incorporated in the National plan. Okebukola identified some problems with the implementation of ICT projects in Nigerian high institutions to includes and not limited to: a general lack of project-management skills, unstable electric power supply and tendency to invest in equipment rather than human capacity. He however concluded that by the end of the year 2015, Nigeria would have a forward-looking national policy on e-education, in place. The federal government and local government and development partners such as the UNDP, UNESCO and the African development Bank are expected to fund the initiative.

Authority of author : The author of the article is a Journalist with the BusinessDay magazine.

Relevance: Without given priority to ICT in higher education, Nigerian higher education will be totally incapacitated and unable to compete in the global education market.

Coverage: The paper discussed the report of the Executive secretary of National universities commission on the development and implementation of ICT in higher institutions in Nigeria

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: As a regulatory body for Nigerian Universities NUC have created conducive environment for the development and implementation of ICT in Nigerian Universities.

Jegede O.(2002). An Integrated ICT-Support for ODL in Nigeria : The Vision, the Mission and the Journey so far. Retrieved on 04/29/2005, from http://portal.unesco.org/en/file_download.php/8ec808e2da517219e8f04b698622eed3jegede.pdf

This paper was presented at the LEARNTEC-UNESCO 2002 Global forum on Learning Technology, Karlsruhe , Germany The author stated that the main preoccupation of the Federal government of Nigeria through its Ministry of Education momentarily is the need to reach every nook and corner of the Nigeria in order to take education to the citizens no matter where they may be located. To achieve this he stated that the national open and distance learners programme (NODLP) was experimenting with the massive use of the Information and communication technologies (ICT) as the veritable medium. He noted that recent documents from the Federal Ministry of Education revealed that there has been a meteoric increase in the demands for education for social, career and employment needs amongst many others, which the conventional university cannot meet. Only 20 percent of those seeking for placement with the higher education sectors secure admission in year 2001. The open educational system was therefore embraced as a way of reaching a greater majority of the citizens, especial those hitherto denied access, to be educated. The author assert that in order to reaching as many Nigerians as possible the National Open and Distance Learning Programmes set up a National infrastructure framework using ICT to eventually reach all the 774 local government in Nigeria. The attendant difficulty in procuring essential instructional and reference resource materials to support teaching and learning was to be addressed by the establishment of virtual library by the government.

Authority of author : The author is a professor in education and the current Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Open University.

Relevance: This paper revealed efforts by the government to provide education to the teaming population who hitherto were un-reached or denied through the use of ICT.

Coverage: The paper identified the inability of the Nigerian higher education system to meet the demand of the growing population and discussed how ICT can be used to implement and support distance learning to reach a greater population

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The paper highlights how ICT can be used as a tool in providing education to a large population, irrespective of distance and time

Amoo O.B(2004). ICT Needs Assessment of Higher Education Women: A Case study of Lagos State University (LASU) Women Academics, Ojo Campus Nigeria . Retrieved 04/25/2005, from http://www.tanzaniagateway.org/docs/Women_ICT/ICTNeedsAsesmnt.pdf

The paper discussed results of a study conducted on ICT needs Assessment of higher education women of Lagos State University (LASU), Nigeria in terms of their basic knowledge and application of ICT to enhance their professional skills of teaching and research. The author noted that ICT has opened a window for lifelong learning for women in academics particular in developing countries. It provides them with opportunities to enhancing their research activities especially in the area of reviewing literature and updating their skills on the latest methods of carry out research through the Internet while they take care of homes. The author noted the efforts of National Universities Commission of Nigeria in enhancing the use of ICT in teaching and research by organizing an on-line in-service training programme for the academies in Nigeria . However, the result of the study revealed that the women academics in LASU have not been using some of the new technologies to update their skills and knowledge and to enhance teaching and learning of the higher education students. Lack of Internet access, appropriate computer skills and lack of computers were identified as hindrance to the use of ICT by the women academics. In conclusion the author recommended that International organizations like Africa IT Education trust should assist in the donation of computers provision of training for academic women in LASU.

Authority of author : The author is Professor and works with the educational Technology Centre, Lagos State University, Ojo , Nigeria

Relevance: The paper revealed how ICT can help women in academia in developing countries keep their jobs and live up to their family responsibilities.

Coverage: The paper discussed the ICT skills women in academia need to use ICT as a lifelong learning tool and for their teaching and research

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The use of ICT to empower women can improve the quality of their lives.

Diffussion of ICT in Nigerian Libraries & Information Profession

Ani E.O. (2005). Evolution of virtual libraries in Nigeria ; myth or reality. Journal of Information Science, 31(1) 2005, pp 67-70.Retrieved on 04/22/2005, from http://jis.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/31/1/67 .

The article is the result of a survey study conducted by Ani, E.O who investigated the extent of availability of relevant information infrastructure; human capacity building and ICT skills acquisition programmes available in Nigeria university libraries and their level of funding that will enhance the evolution of virtual library project. The approval and establishment of the Nigeria Virtual Library project in early 2002 by the federal government of Nigeria and the National workshop organized by UNESCO on the pilot virtual library project in May 2003 were also highlighted. The study revealed that 64% of the surveyed university libraries have relevant information infrastructure such as telephone, VSAT and radio link to support the evolution of virtual libraries, and only 29 percent had a website on the internet and 86 percent of them were involved in human capacity building and ICT skills acquisition programmes. The author concluded that the Nigeria virtual library project is not a myth but rather feasible and real and recommended that the federal government, through the NUC, should increase the current level of funding of university libraries to support the effective evolution and implementation of the Nigeria virtual library project.

Authority of author : The author is a faculty member of Library Department, University, of Calabar , Nigeria .

Relevance: Virtual library is one of the infrastructures that enables, the academia benefits from the rich resources available on the Internet and also have a representation on the internet.

Coverage: The study covered concept and evolution of virtual library in Nigeria and human capacity building and skills acquisition in ICT for the evolution of the virtual library.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The virtual library is a vital tool for the GII particularly in the academia and having realized this the Nigerian government is making effort to provide one for its high institutions.

 

Ya'u Z.Y (2003) Towards a virtual library for Nigeria. Retrieved http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=16043&URL_DO=DO_PRINTPAGE&URL_SECTION=201.html

The paper examined the establishment of a virtual library for Nigeria . The author stated that following a request by the President of Nigeria during the 31 st General conference of the UNESCO in October 2001, the organization agreed to refocus its special plan action programme for Nigeria towards establishing a Virtual Library for higher education institutions. It was identified that with the inability of the government to stock libraries with relevant books and literature particularly in the academic institution, it was imperative to exploit information and communication technology to provide solution to this problem. The process of the establishment of the virtual library, as noted by the author started with feasibility study coordinated by staff of UNESCO through a workshop. The workshop involved various stakeholders and professionals from all the sectors of the tertiary institutions; libraries and IT professionals, educational administrators as well as IT companies that are operating in the electronic library sectors were all involved in the process. The representatives of donor organizations such as the MarAthur Foundation, Open Society Initiative for West Africa and US public Information System were also represented in the workshop. The author noted that some of the thorny issues identified in the workshop were poor ICT infrastructure, inadequate ICT skill and the financial implication of connectivity and access to electronic database. Questions were raised as to who bears the cost and who funds the infrastructure development. Having identified numerous initiatives by different educational institution to establish their own virtual library, the author recommended that national virtual library should integrated all the virtual library project so as to avoid duplication of cost and efforts. In conclusion the author argued that building the national virtual library should not be left to donor magnanimity but must involve the government of Nigeria

Authority of author : Ya'u Z.Y is a consultant with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Kano .

Relevance: The paper examines the journey of Nigerian virtual library, which is an important infrastructure particularly given the lack of educational material in most Nigerian libraries.

Coverage: The paper highlighted the role of UNESCO in the establishment of a national virtual library and acknowledge the initiative of other high institutions in developing a virtual library.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The participatory approach used by UNESCO, which involved the various stakeholders and professionals is particularly important for the successful implementation of any GII

Ogunsola A.L. (2004). Nigerian University Libraries and the challenges of globalization: The Way Forward. Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship V.5 no. 2-3. Retrieved on 04/21/2005, from http://southernlibrarianship.icaap.org/content/v05n02/ogunsola_l01.htm

The author of this paper looked at the historical development and role of the Nigerian university libraries in globalization. Specifically he examined the implications and opportunities of ICT, as a panacea for the poor state of academic libraries in Nigeria . While identifying the mitigating factors to the implementation and development of ICT in Nigeria the author also sensitize the Nigerian universities to the need of globalization of information for their educational development. Shortage of manpower, frequent computer breakdown due to electric power surge, erratic power supply and lack of spare parts, were identified as the major problems Nigerian libraries face in the implementation of ICT. The paper also identified the role of the library in supporting teaching, learning, research and cultural development in the Universities. In conclusion the author acknowledged that the current ICT infrastructure in Nigeria can not enable Nigerians be part of the global Information Society. Finally efforts by the government of Nigeria to established a National virtual library to enhance access to national and international library and information resources and to share locally available resources with libraries all over the world using digital technology was highlighted.

Authority of author : The author is a Librarian at Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Libraru, Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-ife , Nigeria .

Relevance: Published in 2004, the paper looked at role and level of the Nigerian University Libraries in the challenges of globalization.

Coverage: The article covered Nigerian university libraries and globalization and identify the problems and the way forward for the diffusion of ICT in academic library

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The paper recognized the library as the life blood of higher education institutions which can benefit tremendously from the facilities provided by ICT. The enormous benefits of ICT can also transform the university libraries into a new information services centre, providing access to information not limited to time and place for the development and sustenance of ICT in other sectors.

Ashcroft L. and Watts C. (2004). ICT Skills for Information professionals in developing countries: perspective from a study of the electronic information environment in Nigeria . Retrieved on 04/30/2005 from: http://ww/.ifla.org/V/iflaj/IFLA-Journal-1-2005.pdf

The paper is a product of a research project carried out at Liverpool John Moores University into the provision of electronic information in Nigeria . The authors identified that in recent years, work for the information profession has become characterized by fast-paced change and new skills requirements due to the constant emergence of relevant new technologies. They therefore stated that there is a need for additional training to augment the traditional skills knowledge base with a competency in ICT use. The study through response from questionnaires administered established the nature of digital information within information resources, information providers, awareness and uptake of national and international initiatives, digital resource users, expenditure, collaboration, and barriers to provision of electronic resources. It was identified that there is shortage of technology literate staff in libraries, lack of skilled human resources to install and manage technology and networks for electronic resources. Lack of collaboration amongst the information agencies was also identified as major hindrances to the formation of a consortium that will enable them rationalize and share the cost of electronic resources. The need for institutions and libraries to be aware of free electronic resources available through international initiative was recommended.

Authority of authors : The authors are Professors at the School of Business Information Liverpool John Moores University UK

Relevance: The paper highlights the important of ICT skills as an important tool for the information professionals

Coverage: The paper discussed the need for ICT skills in the information age, ICT skills and reference services and the impact of the digital divide on skills development. The importance of collaboration amongst information institutions was highlighted

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: Nigerian Information profession lack the necessary ICT skills to play a serious role in the development and implementation of ICT in Nigeria . Without the skills they will not be able to provide patrons particularly teachers and students access to relevant electronic resources for research and development.

Igwe O.U. (2005). Harnessing Information Technology for the 21 st Century: Library Education in Nigeria . Retrieved on 04/30/2005 from http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~mbolin/igwe.htm

The paper examined library schools in Nigeria and how they have harness information and communication technology for their teaching and research. The author states that providing opportunities to meet the basic learning needs for information professionals is first step toward preparing library schools in Nigeria for the emerging global society. He identified inadequate infrastructure, outdated curricula, poor human and financial resources, lack of access to necessary information and resources for learning, and communication among key players in the library schools as contending issues faced by the library schools in Nigeria . He also highlighted that UNESCO (1998b) stated that to effectively harness the power of the new information and communication technology to improve library education is Nigeria, the following essential conditions must be met: students and teachers must have sufficient access to digital technologies and the internet in their classrooms, laboratories and workshops; high quality, meaningful, and culturally responsive digital content must be available for teachers and learners; and teachers must have the knowledge and skills to use the new digital tools and resources to help all students achieve high academic standards. In conclusion he recommended that Nigeria library school have to link up with other library schools in other countries.

Authority of author : The author is professor in Library Science and also the Ag. Director, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University Ogun State Nigeria

Relevance: Information and communications technology is a powerful tool that would link Nigerian library schools with library schools in developed countries and help in the training of professional that will assist the academia and community in general access on-line resources

Coverage: The paper covered the practice of librarianship and innovations of ICT in library education in the 21 st century. The problems faced by the library schools in terms of ICT skills were discussed

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: Some of the challenges librarians in Nigerian will be facing in the 21 st century is how to assist people use on-line resources. The library school has the role to training the future librarian for this new role and must also equip themselves with ICT skills.

Diffussion of ICT in Health and Banking Sectors

Idowu A.P, Alu.O.A. and Adagunodo R.E(2002). The Effect of Information Technology on the Growth of the Banking Industry in Nigeria . Retrieved on 04/28/2005, from http://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/research/ejisdc/vol10/v10r2.pdf

The authors examined the effect of information technology on the growth of the banking industry in Nigeria by carrying out a survey on five commercial banks in Nigeria using the grab sampling technique. They identified that for most customers safety and quality of service in terms of speed and efficiency were more important than proximity to the bank. The banks on the other hand realized that one way they can provide quality service is by adopting real-time online system a feature of ICT. The study revealed that telephones, computer systems, local area networks, and facsimiles services were available in the five banks studied while wide area networks, electronic file transfer, and wireless phones were available in some banks. The study also identified the major hindrance to the use of IT in the banking industry in Nigeria to include poor telecommunication infrastructure and inadequate electric power supply. While concluding that information technology had appreciable positive effects on the bank's productivity as a whole, the authors recommended that the Nigerian government should find solution to the epileptic supply of electricity in the country.

Authority of authors : Two of the authors are professors at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering while the third author is a professor at the Department of Management and Accounting, all in Obafemi Awolowo University Ife-Ife Nigeria

Relevance: The development of ICT in the banking sector is central to global commerce.

Coverage: The study covered the effect of IT on various banking activities and various customers' service.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The diffusion of ICT in the Nigerian banking industry is very slow and this could have a negative effect on business transaction at a global level.

Idowu, B., Ogunbodede, E., and Idowu, B., (2003). Information and Communication Technology in Nigeria , the Health Sector Experience. Journal of Information Technology Impact. Vol. 3 No. 2 pp. 69-76. Retrieved on 04/20/2005, from http://www.jiti.net/v03/v3n2.069-076.pdf

This paper explores the impact of mobile phones and the Internet on the health care delivery system in Nigeria . The authors clearly identified Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a vehicle with the potential to improve the quality of health care systems as well as the efficiency of the health care workers both in developing and developed countries. The introduction of ICT into Nigerian teaching hospitals was identified to be as a result of the INDEHELA project by Computing Centre of the University of Kuopia , Finland , Obafemi Awolowo University and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching hospital in the late 80. The authors noted that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) responsible for the Implementation of National Policy on Information Technology has done nothing in the health sector. The authors concluded that from the three ICT indicators considered only mobile phones were frequently used by the medical experts in hospital. Personal computers and Internet access were totally lacking, even though most medical experts in the study indicated that they use personal computers and Internet access outside the teaching hospital. This no doubt has affected the quality of health care provided by the medical experts.

Authority of authors : All the authors are from Obafemi Awolowo University , Nigeria . One of the authors is a professor at the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, while the second author is professor is at the Department of Preventive Dentistry. The third author is a graduate student at the Department of Computer Science & Engineering.

Relevance: The study revealed the poor state of diffusion of ICT in the University Teaching Hospitals. The University Teaching Hospital is the driving force of research and development in the health sector in Nigeria .

Coverage: The paper examines the use of three ICT indicators, which are personal computers, mobile phone and the Internet facilities.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The paper highlights the fact that many developing countries like Nigeria are yet to exploit a bit of the benefits ICT can provide particularly in the provision of health care.

Adeyemi A. and Ayegboyin M (2004). A study on the use of Information Systems to Prevent HIV/AIDS in Lagos State , Nigeria . Retrieved on 04/27/2005 from, http://www.informaticamedica.org/I04/papers/adeyemi_1.pdf

The authors examined how Information systems can be used to prevent HIV/AIDS in Lagos state of Nigeria . The state has a population of about 15 million people mainly youths who are at high risk of contacting and spreading HIV. The authors identified ICT as an excellent and reasonable platform for HIV/AIDS control and prevention in Lagos state because of the high concentration of Internet service providers and numerous cyber cafes. The authors studied four general hospitals, ten primary health care center and six private hospital, the objects was to strengthen and develop appropriate information systems and expose the benefits of a health information system in Lagos for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. The result of the study revealed that there is gross underutilization of the ICT potentials in the state and the need to develop manpower that can harness the potentials of information systems in HIV/AIDS control. ICT has the potentials to promote HIV/AIDS education and prevention activities so that awareness is raised about disease and encouragement made towards positive activities by youth. The need for Lagos State AIDS control agency to support, promote and strengthen the health information system development in the entire primary health care clinic was also highlighted. The authors concluded with the recommendation for the establishment of Health Information system Unit in the State Ministry of Health that will coordinate the development and promotion of Health Information system using the abundant available ICT infrastructure in the state.

Authority of author : The authors are researchers in an NGO based in Lagos Nigeria concern with HIV/AIDS control and developing health information systems

Relevance: The study revealed the ways ICT can be used in providing health care information.

Coverage: The study covered state of information systems in the 20 health institution studied, possession of ICT tools and computer skills by the health workers were all examined.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: Collaboration between indigenous NGOs and other international bodies can play a greater role in the diffusion of ICT because they are able to identify the area of need easily.

Policies and Infrastructure for the Diffussion of ICT in Nigerian

Ajayi O.G (2003), NITDA and ICT in Nigeria . Retrieved on 04/27/2005, from http://ejds.org/meeting2003/ictp/papers/Ajayi.pdf

The paper was presented at 2003 round table on Developing Countries Access to Scientific Knowledge, The Abdus Salam ICTP, Trieste , Italy . The paper centered on the efforts made by Nigerian government in the development of ICT. The author noted that ICT Revolution started in Nigeria after the return to democratic rule in 1999. The first step taken by the democratically elected government was to approve policies for liberalization of the telecommunication industries, and recognizing ICT as a priority sector. With the approval of National Information Technology policy in March 2001 by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was established in April 2001 to implement the policy. The Mission state of the agency is “ to use IT for Education, creation of Wealth Poverty Eradication, Job Creation and Global Competitiveness ”. Some of the projects embarked by NITDA as noted by the author includes; Public Service Network (PSNet), Human Capacity Building, and Mobile Internet Unit. The author also highlighted some collaborative activities NITDA had with other private sectors like Cosco Systems, NGO and other International bodies in an effort to achieve their mission, and in conclusion stated that the greatest challenge has been inadequate funding.

Authority of author : Professor Gabriel O. Ajayi the Director of National Information Technology Development Agency, Nigeria .

Relevance: The paper covered the activities of National Information Technology Development Agency, which is responsible for the implementation of ICT policy in Nigeria

Coverage: The paper covered only policy issues in the Information and Communication Industries and also the activities of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: Democratically elected government encourages the development of NII more that any other type of Government. Government policies on ICT are necessary ingredients in the successful implementation and development of GII.

Uhegbu N .A (2003). Constraints on the formulation and implementation of national Information policy for Nigeria . Journal of Information Science, 31(1) 2004, pp 41-47. Retrieved on 04/22/2005, from http://jis.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/30/1/41

The article examined the problems hindering formulation and implementation of national policy for Nigeria . The author notes that there are hardly any standards in the establishment, operation, equipment servicing, funding and management of a number of information generation, distribution and services agencies in Nigeria . The author noted that prior to the year 2000 efforts by international organizations like UNESCO, ECOWAS and OAU to facilitate the promulgation of National information policy (NIP) in Nigerian yielded little or no results. The absence of a sound and workable information policy, as noted by the author dislocate the proper flow of information and lead to a lopsided development of infrastructure as well as hampered human resources efficiency. The author identified the problems confronting the Nigeria 's NIP to include: the unstable nature of Nigeria 's economic and political environment; government apathy towards information services; weak and uncoordinated information professional associations in the country; oral medium of communication and high illiteracy rate; underdeveloped and deficient information facilities in the country; frequent interference in the functions of the country's information institutions. The paper concluded with a recommendation that the government re-evaluate economic and monetary policies and that professional association and institutions should make concerted efforts towards championing the cause of a national information policy.

Authority of author : Uhegbu N. A is a faculty member of Library and Information Science, Abia State University , Uturu , Nigeria .

Relevance: The paper examines some of the constraints in the implementation of a National Information policy in Nigeria , which has a great impact on the development of Nigerian NII.

Coverage: The paper examined Nigeria 's information environment, trends in the formulation, and constrains to the implementation of national information policy.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The importance of the role of government to make necessary and appropriate national information policy is important for any meaningful achievement in its GII.

Esselaar S. and Stavrou, A. (2003).VSAT Case Studies( Nigeria & Algeria ). Retrieved on 04/20/2005, from, http://web.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/10734864331vsatstudy.pdf

VSAT Case Studies ( Nigeria & Algeria ) is a report on a study carried out by Learning Information Network Knowledge (LINK) a leading information and knowledge hub providing training, research and consultancy in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the International Development Research Centre ( IDRC) Canada , and Catalysing Access to ICT in Africa (CATIA). The study covered Nigeria and Algeria as case studies on the use of Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT), a low cost rapidly deployable technology for Internet connections. The objective of the study was to determine the existing licensing and regulation framework of VSAT technology and how it is being used for social and economic development in Africa . The report provided information and made assessment of the VSAT situation in Lagos Nigeria and Algiers , Algeria . The study also investigated the actual and potential application of VSAT technology, surveyed the technical and human resources utilized for deploying VSAT solution in Nigeria and finally examines commercial aspects of VSAT technology including costs to institutions and users. Separate conclusion was reached for the two countries studied. While examining the telecommunications indicators and the role of Nigeria Communications Commission as the regulatory body the study concluded that the liberalization and deregulation process in Nigeria which begun in 2000 transformed the Nigerian telecom sector. The study revealed that the development of alternative technology to VSAT, such as fiber optic cable, means that the continued use of VSAT within densely populated urban areas such as Lagos is unlikely while the use of VSAT in remote areas will continue. However lack of local technical expertise and the misconception that Ku band VSAT is unreliable are major obstacles identified as hindrance to the rapid growth in the use of VSAT in Nigeria . The report also concluded that Algeria is moving from an open regulatory environment to a more inhibiting environment, which has the potential to strangle growth while the largest obstacle to increased usage was identified as the cost of internet access.

Authority of authors : The authors are Professors at the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa .

Relevance: The report addresses advantages and challenges of the use of VSAT for the provision of Internet access within Nigeria .

Coverage: This paper attempts to determine the existing licensing and regulation framework of Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) technology and how it is being used for social and economic development in Nigeria and Algeria .

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The report provides an insight on how the VSAT can be used to provide short cut to the Global Information Infrastructure. It can help developing countries to leapfrog into the global village, by providing access to the Internet even to the remote places, especially places where terrestrial infrastructure are either too expensive to provide or will take a long time to cover.

Turaki S.I (2004) Nigeria : E-Governance: the Jigawa Experience. Retrieved on 02/05/2005, from: http://www.e-lo-go.de/html/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7512

The paper centered on the application of ICT in e-governance in Jagawa State of Nigeria . The author stated that e-governance is not just about service delivery over the Internet. It will allow citizens to communicate with governments, participate in government's policymaking and enable citizens to communicate with each other. He also stated that within the government circle of Jagawa, the use of ICT has helped in improving transparency, providing accurate and speedy information to both civil servants and the general public and has improve administrative efficiency and public service. He notes that the government of Jagawa state established Institutions that offered training on IT and computer appreciation to civil servants, students and the general public to equip them with ICT skills and knowledge. The government established model primary schools and secondary schools that integrate ICT into the mainstream of their educational system to expose student to ICT at an early age. Galaxy Limited an IT and Telecommunication Company wholly owned by the Jigawa State Government provided all the equipment and technology for the e-governance in the state. The author concluded that it is imminent that some jobs such as messengers, clerks and even secretaries, many not be necessary under full e-governance

Authority of author : The author is the Governor of Jagawa State

Relevance: The paper highlights the integration and application of ICT in e-governance

Coverage: The paper covered the various activities of the Jegawa state government to use ICT in the governance of Jagawa State and the integration of ICT in its educational institutions.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: With commitment any government can developed its information infrastructure and benefit from the implement ICT.

Bamodu G(2004), IT Policy and e-Commerce in Nigeria : Some Legal Considerations http://www.nigeriavillagesquare1.com/Articles/bamodu1.html

The article explored the path towards an e-commerce law for Nigeria . The author identified the opportunities open to Nigeria business to access a wider global market through e-commerce as one of the most important potential benefits of the IT revolution. He notes that the advent of IT and e-commerce raises quite a number of policy, infrastructural and legal issues that the Nigerian government will do well to considered. The need for appropriate legislation to facilitate the development and use of e-commerce and to remove existing legal impediments as contained in existing legislation and legal principles that are predicated on the presumption of paper-based transactions was highlighted. The author noted that Internet service providers and online businesses would need to be required to provide some basic information especially for the benefit of their customers and others in particular with regards to the service of documents, process or the pursuit of legal redress or general regulatory purpose. The author concluded that e-commerce, a present reality, offers so many potential opportunities even for countries like Nigeria and the creation of a facilitative environment with a well considered backing legislation is a basic minimum that should be expected of a government committed to investment and economic development.

Authority of author : The author is a Nigerian qualified legal practitioner, teaches E-Commerce and International Trade Law at the University of Essex, United Kingdom.

Relevance: Enacting relevant laws that will cover on-line business in a perquisite for e-commerce

Coverage: The paper covered the role and liability of Internet Service Providers, the private International law and the considerations formation of Contracts – Writing, Signature for e-commerce.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The necessary laws to cover both consumers and producers are necessary for Nigerians to participate in e-merchant or e-consumer which has a global opportunity.

Widernet.org(1999). Official website for Widernet Project. Retrieved on 04/29/2005, from http://www.widernet.org/index.htm

Authority of author : The website is the official Website of WiderNet Project.

Relevance: The WiderNet project is an example of how non profit organization work in conjunction with other international organization and private sector to assist other developing countries development their NII

Coverage: The WiderNet Project focuses on the improvement of educational communication systems in Nigeria .   

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The WiderNet project through its numerous training contributed to human capacity building in ICT and supply of computers and its accessories to many Nigerian Universities. Contributing to the participation of more Nigerians to the global community

Emporia-Nigeria Project(2000). Emporia-Nigeria Project website. Retrieved on 05/01/2005, from http://nigeriaproject.emporia.edu/

This is the official website of Emporia-Nigeria Project, an educational partnership between Emporia State University 's School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) in Emporia , Kansas , USA and the three peer institutions in Nigeria namely; Bayero University , Kano , Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria , and the University of Maiduguri . The project was funded by a 3-year grant awarded by the US State Department to Prof. John Agada of Emporia State University 's School of Library and Information Management who wrote the grant proposal on behalf of Emporia State University . The website contains the activities of the project and reports of participating institutions and faculty members. The objectives for the Nigerian partner Institutions as indicated in the websites were; the establishment of communication and telecommunication infrastructures for learning teaching and research by the students and teaching staff; Provision of opportunity for the teaching staff to expand their knowledge and skills in community analysis, information and computer literacy and global studies. About Nine faculty members from the Nigeria Library schools participated in an exchange visit where they acquired ICT skills.

Authority of author : The website is the official Website of Emporia-Nigeria Project

Relevance: The Emporia Nigeria project revealed how an academic link program between academic Institutions in a developed country assisted institutions in developing countries in human capacity building in ICT through curriculum review, training and donation of computer equipments

Coverage: The website provided an overview of the project and reports from all the participating institutions. Reports of the exchange visits by both Nigerian and US visitors were provided. Faculties in Nigeria who are responsible for research and training future librarian in ICT skills were the point of focus. For the School of Library and Information Management Emporia it was to Foster scholarly, professional and social interactions with diverse groups of people and ideas.

Contribution to our understanding of the GII: The website reveals the role developing countries play in the development of ICT in developing countries.