ICT INFRASTRUCTURAL PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH AS REQUISITE OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN PLATEAU STATE

Background: This study x-rays the roles of ICT in governance by contextualizing its contributions as a change manager in Plateau State, Nigeria. Objectives: The study was scoped to infrastructural planning, development, and growth of ICT in Plateau State to be able to ascertain the current ICT infrastructure in Plateau State, assess the extent of awareness of ICT projects/programmes that foster digital literacy and inclusion, the considerable digital divide between rural and urban areas where examined, and what constitute the challenges personally experienced that related to failed ICT infrastructure planning in Plateau State. Methods: A survey research design of the quantitative research approach was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection administered to 100 purposively sampled respondents. The results analyzed and presented descriptively in tabular form using frequency counts and simple percentages. Results: The findings show that respondents were aware of community-based ICT projects or programs scattered across Plateau state but there is still a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas despite notable digital skills that foster digital literacy and inclusion. Conclusion: Plateau State stands at a pivotal juncture, where infrastructural planning serves as a catalyst for ICT development and growth. The challenges identified underscore the need for strategic and adaptive approaches. Key Contribution to Knowledge: The strategies proposed provide a roadmap for overcoming obstacles and fostering a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem. Recommendation: The study recommends a thorough review of existing infrastructural plans to guarantee alignment with the dynamic nature of ICT use for the approved ethical development and growth purposes.