ENHANCING SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION THROUGH ICT INTEGRATION IN NASARAWA STATE PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, holds significant potential to transform science and technical education. This research explores the current state of ICT infrastructure within these institutions and assesses the level of digital literacy among students, educators, administrators, and support personnel. Additionally, we investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with ICT integration, particularly in the context of online learning deployment. Utilizing a survey research design, a structured questionnaire was administered to 303 participants, including lecturers, students, administrators, and ICT support staff. Our analysis reveals that while ICT integration has enhanced the quality of teaching and learning, substantial obstacles remain, such as a general shortage of resources and infrastructure, including computer hardware and software. Furthermore, access to educational software and materials is limited, and there is a notable deficiency in technological skills and professional development opportunities. The findings underscore the critical need for infrastructure development and capacity building as essential components of a comprehensive ICT strategy for these institutions. This report documents our study and provides important implications for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance the quality of science and technology education. Specifically, the results suggest that policymakers should prioritize ICT integration in tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State by investing in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development.