Remystifying Nigeria’s Tertiary Education through Digital Learning
Keywords:
Digital learning, tertiary education, digitization, digital literacyAbstract
This paper demystified digital learning, digitisation in education and digital literacy. The paper also discussed the fairs and fails of digital learning in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The doctrinal research methodology was employed, and secondary data were used in the paper. The secondary data were obtained from print and online publications. It was found that digital learning is a necessity for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions as it aligns them with contemporary global practices and realities. It was also found that Nigerian tertiary institutions are not well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure to integrate digital learning. The institutions are constantly faced with an erratic power supply, high data costs and inadequate computers, among other issues. The paper concluded that tertiary institutions should integrate digital learning into their curricula to produce skilled graduates who can compete in the workforce or thrive in a technologically driven economy. To address these problems, the paper recommended funding for higher education and the provision of a stable power supply, among others.
References
Aboderin, O. S (2015). Challenges and prospects of E-learning at the National Open University of Nigeria. Journal of Education and Learning, 9(3): 207-216.
Adavbiele, J. A. (2016). The use of ICT to enhance university education in Nigeria. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, 4(5): 1-11.
Aderinoye, R. A., Ojokheta, K. O. & Olojede, A. A. (2007). Integrating mobile learning into nomadic education programmes in Nigeria: Issues and perspectives. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 8(2).
Akinyemi, I. A., Amaechi, L. I. & Etoh, L. C. (2022). Digitalisation of education in Nigerian secondary schools: Benefits and challenges. Journal of Education and Human Resources, 13(1):34- 44.
Akpan, A. O., Thomas, N. A. & Sunday, S. J. (2019). Politicizing Universal Basic Education Programme and its Implementation for National Development. University of Uyo Journal of Education 12(1) 135,147.
Akpan, I. F., Udofia, S. E. & Thomas, N. (2016). Innovative Use of ICT in Science Teacher Education for Sustainable National Development. Journal of Educational Media and Technology, 20 (1): 37-45.
Anene, J. N., Imam, H. & Odumuh, T. (2014). Problem and Prospect of E-learning in Nigerian universities. International Journal of Technology and Inclusive Education (IJTIE), 3(2): 320–327.
Asogwa, C. I., ‘The Challenges of Optimizing e-Learning Opportunities for Effective Education Service Delivery in University of Nigeria Nsukka’ In O. Nkad & U. Eze (Eds.), Optimizing e-Learning Opportunities for Effective Education Service Delivery (Publication of Institute of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 2011).
Atsumbe, B. N., Emmanuel, R., Igwe, C. O. & Atsumbe, J. (2012). Repositioning vocational and technical education for effective manpower production in Nigeria. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 1(4):01-06.
Bejinaru, R., (2019). Impact of digitalisation on education in the knowledge economy. Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy 7(3): 367-380.
Clark, C. and Kimmons, R. (2023). Cognitive Load Theory. Available at https://www.researchgate.net Accessed on 3 June, 2026.
Ding, C. M. (2000). Access to digital information: some breakthrough and obstacles. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 32(1).
Edet, C.G., Akpan, I. F. & Thomas, N.A. (2023). Effect of Instructional Materials and School Location on Student’s Academic Performance in Biology in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Interdisciplinary Journal of Science Education (IJ-SED). 5(1): 63-72.
Enyidah, N. S., (2026). Resilience in Medical Innovation being the 5th Convocation Lecture of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences. Available at https://www.vanguardngr.com. Accessed 26 May 2026.
Ereh, C. E. & Thomas, N. A. (2018). Management of Student’s Personnel Services and Student’s Academic Performance in Tertiary Institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 6(3): 502-520.
Federal Republic of Nigeria (2013). National Policy on Education (6th ed). Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Lagos.
Okorie, Fiokedu Sam & Thomas, Nkoyo Asuquo (2016). Relevance of information technology (ICT) in the administration of primary schools in Rural Area in Nigeria. Academic Scholarship Journal, 13 (1), 1-6
Garrison, D. R. & Anderson, T. (2003). E–learning in the 21st century: A framework for research and practice. London: Routledge/Falmer.
Itighise, A. E. & Thomas, N. (2022). Information and Communication Technology Skills Acquisition in Science Education Teachers Training Programme: Imperative for Self-Reliance. Academic Scholarship Journal, 18(1): 1-13.
Jegede, D. & Abashi, L., (2019). Challenges Facing the Administration of ICT Infrastructural Facilities in Public Primary Schools in Nigeria. Electronic Research Journal of Engineering, Computer and Applied Sciences, 2:30-41.
John I. I., Utibe U. J., Thomas N. A. & Paul U. (2024), Teachers’ Instructional Approaches and Students Development in Science Process skills in physics in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Journal of Center for Distance and E-learning (JCDeL), Vol. 3(1), 79-89.
Joseph, R. E., Akpan, A.O. & Thomas, N. A., (2025). Science Process Skills, Attitude and Student’s Academic Performance in Practical Biology in Secondary Schools in Etinan Local Government Area. Akwa Ibom State. International Journal of Research in Education (AKSUIJRE), 1(2), 92,108.
Keengwe, J. and Kidd, T. T. (2010). Towards Best Practices in Online Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. Merlot Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 6(2): 17.
Mayer, R. E. (2002). Multimedia learning. Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 41:85-139.
Michael, G. & Jacob, Y., (2017). Digitalization in education. Journal of Education and Society, 2(3): 12-18.
Moffat, U. S., Thomas, Nkoyo A., Umanah, Felicia I. (2023). Media Devices and Student’s Academic Achievement in Biology Among Co-Educational Secondary Schools in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Journal of Research in Education and Society, 14(2): 71-79.
Nbina, J. B., Obomanu, B. J. & Vikoo, B. (2011). Utilization of information and communication technology for quality instruction in rivers state university of education Port Harcourt. An assessment. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Reseach and Policy Studies, 2(1): 74-80.
Obisike, B. A., Okon, G. B. & Nyekwere, O., ‘Adoption and Utilisation of Digital Devices for Teaching and Learning in Select South-South Nigerian Universities’ (2025) 9(11) World Journal of Innovation and Modern Technology 90,102.
Ogunode, N. J. (2020). An Investigation into the challenges preventing students of educational administration and planning from using ICT for learning in Nigeria's higher institutions. International Journal of Business and Management Research, 8(1): 20-27.
Ogunode, N. J., Ahmed, M. H., Lawan & Ojo, I. C. (2021). Challenges Preventing Students in Public Tertiary Institutions from Using Information Communication Technology for Learning in Nigeria and the Way Forward. Pindus Journal of Culture, Literature, and ELT, 9: 9-17.
Ogunode, N. J., Akinyode, F. & Ayoko, V. O. (2023). Education Policy Instability in Nigeria and Implications for Educational Development in Nigeria (2023) 2(1) International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 2(1): 1-12.
Ogunode, N. J., Babayo, I. B., Jegede, D. & Abubakar, M. (2021). Challenges preventing nonacademic staff of Nigerian Universities from using ICT effectively and ways forward. Electronic Research Journal of Engineering, Computer and Applied Sciences, 3: 39-50.
Ojelade, I. A., Aiyedun, T. G. & Aregbesola, B. G. (2019). Environmental education as an instrument for awareness creation on the health effects of water contamination in Saburi Community of Federal Capital Territory FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. The Researcher: A Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 2(1): 1-16.
Okorie, F. S. & Thomas, N. A. (2016). Relevance of Information Technology (ICT) in the Administration of Primary Schools in the Rural Area in Nigeria. Academic Scholarship Journal, 13(1): 65-70.
Olaniran, S. O., (2018). Almajiri education: Policy and practice to meet the learning needs of the nomadic population in Nigeria. International Review of Education, 64(1): 111- 126.
Olatunde-Aiyedun, T. G., Eyiolorunse-Aiyedun, C. T. & Ogunode, N. J. (2021). Post Covid-19 and digitalization of University lecturers in Nigeria. Middle European Scientific Bulletin, 11(1): 18.
Oloyede, T. O., (2025). Digital Literacy and Out-of-School Children in Nigeria. Science Journal for Technology, Management, Information & Aetificial Intelligence, 1(1): 61-74.
Otunla, A.O, Tijani, P.A. & Adamolekun, W. (2020). Tertiary institution students’ perceived preparedness to adopt mobile-learning technology (MLT) Innovation in South Western, Nigeria. Available at https://www.repository.ui.edu.ng. Accessed 21 May, 2026.
Ozurumba, C. N. & Thomas, Nkoyo A. (2014). Refocusing Higher Education Research for Sustainable Development. Developing Country Studies, 4(15), 84-91.
Panji o‟g‟li, A. B. (2023). The Problem of Digitization in the Higher Education System. Best Journal of Innovation in Science, Research and Development, 2(5): 1-7.
Singh, G. and Hardaker, G., (2014). Barriers and enablers to adoption and diffusion of eLearning: A systematic review of the literature ‐ a need for an integrative approach’ 56 (2/3) Education + Training 105,121.
Shibli, D. & West, R. (2026). Cognitive Load Theory and its application in the classroom. Available at https://www.my.chartered.college. Accessed on 3 June, 2026.
Sunday, E. (2015). TETFund is spearheading a renaissance in tertiary institutions. Available at https://www.guardian.ng. Accessed 28 May 2026.
The National Policy on ICT in Education (2019). Available at https://www.education.gov.ng. Accessed 23 May, 2026.
This Day (2022). How REA is increasing electricity access to underserved Nigerians through NEP. Available at https://www.businessday.ng Accessed 23 May, 2026.
Thomas, Nkoyo A. & Thomas, Ekaobong Akan (2025). Administrative Intelligence (AI) and Administrator’s Job Productivity in Public Secondary Schools in North East Education District in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Research and Development (AJERD), 16 (1): 150-168.
Thomas, E.A. (2024). Impact of Legal Technology on the Role Performance of Paralegals in Nigerian Legal Environment. African Customary and Religious Law Review, 5: 62-69.
Thomas, N. A. & Inyang, M. I. (2021). Teacher’s Effectiveness Strategies and Students Attitude to Learning in Public Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. International Journal of Progressives and Alternative Education (ASPROAEDU), 7(1): 195-205.
Thomas, N. A. & Inyang, M. I., ‘Teacher’s Effectiveness Strategies and Students Attitude to Learning in Public Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria’ (2021) 7(1) ASPROAEDU 195, 205.
Thomas, N. A. (2014). Education for global competitiveness: Need for secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State to assure global competitiveness. International Journal of Research in Basic and Lifelong Education, 4: 141-148.
Thomas, Nkoyo A. & Ereh, Cecilia Emuji (2017). Benchmark as a Quality Indicator Tool for Educational Administrators in Quality Management and Improvement of Higher Education in Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Research and Development (AJERD), 9(1), 373-380.
Thomas, Nkoyo A. & Thomas, Ekaobong Akan (2025). Kakistocracy and Administrators’ Professional Development in the 21st Century Secondary Schools in North East Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. AKSU International Journal of Research in Education (AKSUIJRE), 1(1).
Thomas, Nkoyo, A. & Thomas, Ekaobong, A. (2016). Science educators’ graduate unemployment as a threat to global peace and security. International Journal of Research in Basic and Lifelong Education, 5:122-129. Uncial, Press: Calabar.
Titus, P. (2018). Digitalization and education development in Nigeria. Journal of Social Science Education. 2(6): 13-20.
Tongia, R. (2004). Information and communications technology. Electronic Research Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(II): 47.
Ukana, F. E., Daniel, E. and Piate, S. M., (2025). Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the development of Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria (2011-2023). AKSU Journal of Administration and Corporate Governance, 5(4): 111 -121.
United Nations. Academic Impact: Education for All. Available at https://www.un.org Accessed 21 May, 2026.
University of Edinburgh (2018). What is digital education? Available at https://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academicdevelopment/learning-teaching/staff/digital-ed, Accessed 21 May 2026.
Walker, M. D. (2015). What is Digital Learning? In book: Digital Learning: How modern technology is changing education. Sicklebrook Publishing, Sheffield
Yue, C., Kim, J., Ogawa, R., Stark, E. & Kim, S. (2013). Applying the cognitive theory of multimedia learning: An analysis of medical animations. Medical Education, 47:375-387.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Natural and Practical Sciences (IJNPS)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
