ICT INFRASTRUCTURE AND STUDENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT IN POSTGRADUATE COLLEGES OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

Abstract

This study examined Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and student records management in the College of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University. The study aimed to determine the availability of ICT infrastructure, examine the extent of its utilization in managing student records, and identify the challenges affecting effective utilization. A descriptive survey research design was adopted using a quantitative research approach. The population of the study consisted of twenty-nine staff members involved in records management activities, and a census sampling technique was used to include all respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that computers, printers, internet facilities, and backup power supply systems were available and frequently utilized for student records management. However, facilities such as scanners, storage devices, and database management systems were inadequately utilized. The study further identified hardware and software problems, inadequate ICT infrastructure, poor funding, and lack of ICT skills among staff as major challenges affecting effective ICT utilization. The study recommended improved ICT infrastructure, staff training, adequate funding, and regular maintenance of ICT facilities.