Adoption of Information and Communication Technology for Knowledge Sharing in the Midst of Covid-19 Pandemic among Academics in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate Adoption of Information and Communication Technology for Knowledge Sharing in the Midst of Covid-19 Pandemic among Academics in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. The objectives of the study determined the type of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) academics adopted for knowledge sharing, level of ICT literacy competence among academics for knowledge sharing and the extent to which adoption Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by academics enhance knowledge sharing Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The study adopted quantitative research methods and specifically a survey research design. The population comprised academics in Ahmadu
Bello University Zaria. A total number of 2,201 academics constituted the population out of which 10% which is 220 academics was used as sample. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the data collected. The study established that Computers, printers, the Internet, projector, PowerPoint, email, CD-ROM, handheld devices are the ICTs facilities adopted for knowledge sharing among the academics, Lecturer I-Assistant lecturer cadre had the highest ICT competence literacy among all the three levels of academics. The study also revealed that adopting ICTs enhance on wide distribution and easy access to information, deepen enquiry among academics, wide distribution of research findings, enabling working together irrespective of locations among others. The study concluded that the most advanced ICT such as smart board, E-books, teleconferencing and video conferencing should be deployed to provide adequate training for the adoption of these facilities in knowledge sharing in the university. The study recommended amongst other that latest information and communication technology facilities like video conferencing, zoom technology and its related should be provided, academics should be equipped with
information literacy skills with emphasis on knowledge sharing techniques, training, and retraining on the adoption of ICT facilities should be given.