Challenges of E-Learning in Nigerian Universities, A Case Study of University of Delta, Agbor (Unidel)
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Although e-learning can overcome the barriers of time and distance in higher education, the lack of infrastructure, technological limitations, and low digital capacity hinder its adoption in Nigerian universities. This study aimed to assess the e-learning infrastructure, accessibility, and digital readiness at the University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL). In addition, the research proposed and evaluated a web-based application for introducing e-learning at UNIDEL as an innovative solution to the problems identified in the institution's e-ecosystem. A descriptive survey was conducted for this study. Additionally, a web platform was designed and experimentally assessed. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the survey results, and the features and performance of the web platform were evaluated to determine its efficacy. Results revealed that participants had very limited access to personal computers or mobile phones (48.6%), internet connectivity (41.3%), and electricity (9.7%). Only 39.5% of the participants had uninterrupted internet access, while 72.4% identified high data charges as a hindrance to e-learning adoption. After implementing the proposed platform, device accessibility increased to 91.4%, while internet accessibility improved to 87.9%. Similarly, platform accessibility was 94.2%, network stability was 89.7%, and network downtime was recorded at 4.8%. Finally, the digital readiness score improved from 0.51 to 0.91, and the developed platform recorded a System Usability Scale score of 86.3. Altogether, these results suggest that with proper implementation, light-web applications can help reduce infrastructural and technological limitations in promoting e-learning at UNIDEL and other Nigerian universities.
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