Information Technology Usage in Northern Nigeria: A Critical Task

Abstract

This study examines the critical question of information technology usage in knowledge
management in Northern Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to x-ray the types of information
technology used for knowledge management, determine the channels used for information
provision and describe the challenges impacting the use of information technology in knowledge
management in the region. To conduct this study, a survey of 350 participants from three (3)
purposively selected states, Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna was carried out. The findings of the study
revealed that information technologies that are mostly utilized are Computer system, Internet,
Storage device, Search engines. The findings of the study revealed that 70% of the respondents
used technology aided tools to access and manage information. While a paltry 20% used tradition
modes to share and manage knowledge, The study further reveals that, poor creation of a
sensitization programme on the use of technological tools to create, share, use and manage
information and knowledge among the populace, Lack training and re-training exercise among
others, were the major challenges that are impacting the use of Information Technology for
knowledge Management. The paper therefore recommends that there should be provision of
intranet to share information and resources for knowledge management. There should be tradition
modes to share and manage knowledge and the creation of a sensitization programme on the use
of technological tools to create, share, use and manage information and knowledge among the
populace. Provision of training and re-training exercise among others.