INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AND IGBO STUDIES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Purpose: This paper identifies ICT tools and programmes that are relevant to Igbo studies in tertiary institutions in the South East Nigeria; it examines the opportunities and challenges in applying these technologies in the enhancement and promotion of teaching and learning Igbo in Nigeria universities. Methodology/Approach: Questionnaire, interviews, and observations were used in collecting data for this study. The population was 118, comprising 31 lecturers and 87 students randomly drawn from the Department of Igbo Studies in six selected tertiary institutions in the South East Nigeria. Findings: Flash drive, video camera, electronic white board, cassette recorder and tapes, television, and a number of ICTs tools and programmes were considered relevant to Igbo studies in tertiary institutions in the South East Nigeria. These technologies enhance e-teaching, e-learning and distance education, and can simultaneously involve large class of Igbo learners in different locations. It reduces abstract concepts and provides concrete realistic learning experiences. Poor funding of tertiary institutions, low human capital development, erratic power supply, lack of interest in studying and carrying out research in Igbo by Igbo scholars were some of the challenges. Implications: Positive attitudinal change toward Igbo language studies using the new information technologies by both Igbo lecturers and scholars is inevitable. Adequate provision of ICT facilities and enabling environment for their utilization in Igbo studies is very imperative in this 21st century Value/Originality: This paper exposed the challenges facing lecturers and students of Igbo language in Nigerian universities in the contemporary global electronic and education environment. It added value and contributed immensely to the use of modern technologies researches in Igbo language research and studies. Keywords: Nigeria, Igbo, Information technology, South East Nigeria, Education, and Communication. Type of paper: Empirical study