The continuing digital divide in Nigeria is apparent in how many students are learning ICT without computers in that country. They do not have access to a computer while they are being taught about computer technology in the classroom. The teacher is in some instances drawing computers on a chalkboard in front of the students and making them write down information about the computer on the chalkboard while they all sit in the classroom. Teachers are trying to help the students learn about the computer, so they are teaching them how to use the computer without ever having actually seen or touched a computer before. It makes you wonder how much can be learnt by only getting theoretical information without ever actually having a computer to practise on!
The gap in ICT access really affects many thousands of students – especially those who live in rural areas, where learning about ICT has been very slow to grow in Nigeria. A student cannot learn to use a particular technology without having a method or way of using that technology, so how can they practise? While in many cases a student may be learning how to use or operate a certain piece of technology, unless they have something to practise on, it will be very hard for them to be confident in using that technology.
The Reality of Students Learning ICT Without Computers
Most of the time ICT lessons take place in classrooms without computers. Most schools have either one or two outdated desktop computers; however, due to the inconsistencies in the availability of electricity in the country, those computers will often remain locked up in a closet. Teachers are doing their best to teach the students how to use technology, and they will do things like teach students how to save a file or teach students the parts of a computer, but the student cannot make a connection between what they are learning and the effects of what they are learning.
Common signs of this issue are:
- ICT teachers drawing computer parts and diagrams on chalkboards
- Students learning command keys from textbooks and images
- Schools have old or damaged computers that are no longer useful
- No access to project-based learning programs
- Electricity challenges stopping any form of progress
Most of these students only get to touch a real computer for the first time during external exams. You can imagine the pressure and anxiety this causes.
Why Rural Areas are Affected More
Rural technology access Nigeria is still very poor. Many rural schools don’t even have basic infrastructure, so computers are a pipe dream.
The challenges abound:
- Epileptic electricity, if at all
- High cost of devices maintenance
- Terrible internet reception and access
- Lack of trained ICT staff
- Unfit rooms damaging equipment
Rural teachers are often forced to work with outdated materials because they can’t access updated ones. This widens the gap between what students learn and what the world expects from them at this age.
How the Digital Divide Nigeria Affects Learning
The digital divide Nigeria faces isn’t only about the unavailability of technological gadgets. It also has to do with limited opportunities for people. Anyone that is raised in an environment that doesn’t offer enough opportunities for digital skills faces a different and probably a more difficult path in life, especially in this modern age.
The impact shows up in ways such as:
- Students will struggle with basic computer skills later in life
- Young people are not qualified for digital jobs
- Schools can’t introduce tech subjects such as coding or digital literacy projects to their curriculum
- Teachers feel stagnated teaching theory with no practicals
- Rural students fall behind urban peers in this digital age
Can you remember the first time you opened a browser or typed an email? Now imagine having to learn about these tasks but this time from a chalkboard. That impracticality shapes confidence and limits curiosity and possibility for these kids.
What Some Rural Nigerian Students Do to Keep Up
Young people in such schools without computers often try to learn on their own anyway and anywhere they can. They ask privileged friends who have access to computers at home. Some go to local business centres to observe how computers are operated. Others even pay money just so they can practise for a few minutes at a nearby café.
These efforts and curiosity prove strong interest, but they can’t replace proper access in school. Learning ICT in this dispensation shouldn’t depend on luck or personal connections when other kids in other parts of the world are already far ahead.
Some Practical Ways Schools Can Boost ICT Learning
Schools can take major steps to strengthen ICT lessons even when resources are not that much.
Some helpful approaches are:
- Sharing a couple of computers across classes on a rotating schedule
- Providing simple computer labs with low-cost gadgets
- Leveraging on solar power where electricity is unavailable
- Encouraging young people to practice typing on cheap mobile keyboards
- Targeting project-based assignments linked to real digital tasks for students
- Introducing ICT clubs where they can practice with any available device
These small steps create more engagement and give students a sense of excitement.
How Communities Can Support ICT Education
Local communities can play a vital role in bridging the rural technology access gap in the Nigerian education sector. Support might never come from the government.
Communities can:
- Invest in small repairs for cheap computers
- Secure ICT labs to prevent burglaries
- Purchase cheap solar panels
- Set up ICT skill workshops for schoolteachers.
- Work with local businesses to sponsor digital devices
When communities become partakers, computers last longer and students gain more access to the ICT world.
Providing Computers for Students Learning ICT
Learning ICT without computers as students is a major issue for rural communities in Nigeria; the lack of computer access means that rural students are often left behind. Digital skills and knowledge will define the future, and we cannot allow rural students in Nigeria to fall behind. What can Nigeria do to help close the digital divide between the urban and rural students?
The more we can work together to create real solutions and provide students with community support and access to technology, the closer we will come to providing technology access for all children, and not just drawings of equipment on a chalkboard.
