The Relevance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) In Tackling Social Issues In Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the relevance of information and communication technology (ICT) in tackling social issues in Nigeria. Four objectives were formulated to guide the study concept of social issues, information and communication role in tackling social issues, such as unemployment, insecurity, drug abuse, corruption and health care problem were discussed, summary, conclusion and recommendation.
Introduction
Information
revolution and extraordinary increase in the spread of knowledge has given
birth to a new era of knowledge which affects directly economic, social,
cultural and political activities of all parts of the world. Governments
worldwide have recognized the role that information and communication
Technologies plays in socio-economic development. A number of countries
especially those in the developed world are putting in place, policies and
plans designed to transform their economies into an information, and knowledge
economy. Country like United States of America, Canada, an a number of European
countries like India, Singapore, South Korea, Japan. Comprehensive ICTS
policies and Plans or at an advanced stage of implementing these programmers’
across their development as one area where they can quickly establish global
dominance and reap tremendous pay off, items’ of weather creation and
generations of high quality employment. On the other hand, South American
countries like Brazil and Mexico regard the development and utilization of ICTS
within their economy and societies as a key component of their national vision
to improve the quality of life, knowledge and international competitiveness. As
Faye (2000) has pointed out, ICTS are offering even less developed countries
windows of opportunity to leap-frog the industrialization stage and transform
economies that can compete with the advanced economies on the global market. Technological
innovation has contributed to globalization by supplying infrastructure for
trans-word Connections. According to Ajayi (2000) the revolution taking place in information
and communication technology has been the central and driving force for the
globalization process. Both developed and less developed countries cannot
afford to miss out on the opportunities technologies are creating.
Technologically,
ICT has exerted its influence on almost all spheres of human life in this 21st
century. ICT has no generally acceptable definition, but various attempts have
been made by several authors such as Adeoti (2005) who sees ICT as an umbrella
term that includes any communication devices or applications encompassing,
radio, television, cellular phones, computers, satellite among others. The
computers are connected via telephones facilitate the sharing of the data they
house. The data come in many forms such as texts, sounds and pictures.
Information technology is the skills, processes and application of designs for
representing physical hypothetic or human relationships, created, stored,
retrieved, manipulated, protected and presented electronically while
information and communication technology ICT refers to the whole range of
technologies involved in information processing and electronic communication
(Ajagun, 2003).
Frenzel
(1996) sees ICT as computer systems, telecommunications, networks and
multi-media application while Osatuohien (2008) shares the opinion with Ayoola
and Kareem (2012) that ICT is the application of knowledge for the execution of
a given task which entails skills and process necessary for carrying out
activities in a given context. Thus, ICT has the potential for creating impact
in almost all the sectors.
The
broadness of ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve manipulate,
transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form e.g. personal
computers, digital television, e-mail, robots among others.
Researchers
and scholars from different discipline have discussed the relevance of
information and communication technology in their various areas of
specialization. Information has now become the most strategic resources that is
transforming the world economy. In this age, a lot of social issues are in existence
which needs urgent attention and ICT has the capability of tackling these
social issues.
Objectives of
the Study
The
objectives of this study were:
1. To assess the relevance of (ICT) in
Nigerian society
2. To discuss social issues in Nigeria
3. To examine how ICT could be use to
solve each of these social issues
4. To explain the way forward for a new
Nigeria.
Literature Review
Information
and Communication Technology according to Butcher is categorized into two
groups namely; those which process information such as computer systems and
those which disseminate information such as telecommunication system.
Laudon,
Trowel and Laudon (1994) opined that ICT include all the different means,
methods, tools that human beings have used throughout history to help manage
information, conduct business and communicate with others and for better
understanding of the world around them. Frenzel (1996) ICT is seen as computer
system, telecommunication, networks and multi-media application while
Osatuolien (20088) agrees with Olasanmu, Ayoola and Kareem (2012) that ICT is
the application of knowledge for the execution of a given task which entails
skills and processes necessary for carrying out activities in a given context.
Information
and communication technology could also be referred to as technologies that
provide access to information through communication. This includes, the
internet, wireless network, cell phones and other communication medium
(National Bureau of statistic, (2012). Abubakar (2010) believes that
information and communication technology has taken a central position in all
sphere of human endeavours. Their roles in societal development have been
considered pervasive.
From
the above definitions, information and communication technology ICT could
therefore be regarded as any equipment or interconnected system or sub-system
of equipment thawt uses automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation,
management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange information.
This shows that ICT now serves as backbone of societal development in all
ramifications and ICT is now applied to all fields of human endeavours
(Information Technology National Policy 2001).
Concept of
Social Issues
Social
issues also known as social problems or social illnesses or even social
conflicts refer to issues that influence and are opposed by a considerable
number of individuals within a society. That is often the consequences of
factors extending beyond individuals, control and local geographical
environment. In some cases, a social issue is the source of conflicting opinion
on the ground of what is perceived as a morally just personal life or societal
order. Different societies have different views about social issues.
Information and Communication
Role in Tackling Social Issues
The
use of ICT as a tool for managing human daily endeavours and life challenges is
no more debatable indeed; there is hardly any sphere of human endeavour in
which the influence of ICT is not felt. Information and communication technology
(ICT) is used in tackling social issues such as unemployment, insecurity, drug
abuse, health care among others. ICT proves to be an indispensable tool.
However, the role of ICT in tackling social issues are discussed below:
Tackling
unemployment through information and communication technology
The
level of youth unemployment in Nigeria is alarming. Many Nigerians youth are
unemployed and millions graduates are joining the labour market yearly. One
could conclude logically that the immediate past administration did not only
mess up the economy, they were also dueless in combacting youth unemployment
(National Bureau of Statistic (NBS). Unemployment is at a record of 24% while
poverty is at all time 71%. In Nigeria, for instance, unemployment rate is not
only worrisome but alarming and shows that government cannot tackle it alone.
Since government cannot give jobs to every unemployed youth, exploring
vocational opportunities in information and communication technology devices
become another option of becoming self-employed. Software development would be
able to tackle the problem of unemployment in Nigeria. Studies have shown that
the ICT era has created various types of jobs for many unemployed people in
Nigeria. Since early 1990s vendors of hand held phones and their accessories
are common sight in every community. There are various types of ICT based
business such as document processing cyber café, computer training, computer
services and repairs, handset services and repair, internet programming, cable
and satellite, television installations which require very little take off
funds for commencement. They are common vocations to empower youths (Oladunjoye
and Audu 2012; Olasanmi, Ayools and Kareem, 2012).
Tackling Insecurity
through Information and Communication Technology
Insecurity
is a global phenomenon which is present in almost all the countries of the
world. Insecurity takes various forms such as kidnapping, violent, crime armed
robbering, terrorism among others. Thus in tackling insecurity of whatever
form, ICT proves to be an indispensable tool.
In
Nigeria, for instance, insecurity threatens the stability of the business
environment, disrupt social order and ultimately impact negatively on the
prospect of sustainable growth, economic development and competitive engagement
of our communities in the global environment. The declaration of principles of
the world submit on the information society advocates the use of information
and communication technologies (ICTs) as tools to interalia, promote
sustainable development and quality of life among the people. With ICT
insecurity can be tackled by establishing a criminal database with existing
agency, specific graphical user interface should use by law enforcement
agencies. With ICT, the law enforcement agencies can locate criminal callers
within the cellular networks. Through ICT, surveillance cameras, social network
analysis, biometric surveillance data mining and profiling, corporate
surveillance, satellite imagery radio-frequency identification and geo-location
devices can be used to mount surveillance on suspected target. Most importantly
countries like Nigeria without appropriate laws for national cyber-security
information need to act such laws. Kennedy, 2014. Thus, looking at the above
benefit of ICT, is not only relevance but indispensable if, security is to be
tackled in Nigeria.
Tackling Drug
Abuse through information and communication
Information
and communication technology ICT, has played a useful role in tackling drug
abuse, mostly through creating awareness on the potential dangers of consuming
such drugs. During the last decade, there was a sharp change in the social,
cultural, legal and political context of drug addiction which has led to
unprecedented new challenges. It has been documented that an increasing number
of unregulated websites were dedicated to the dissemination of novel herbal
designer and pharmaceutical psychoactive drugs (Foman, Marlowe and McLellan,
2006; John, Baldacchino, 2005 and center on addiction and subsistence abuse
(CASA) (2008). These drugs are advertised as ‘legal’ ‘pure’ making them more
attractive to abusers mainly teenage groups, drug abuse is generally accepted
by many of our youths as a lifestyle rather than being considered as a misuse
of drugs (Corrazza, 2011). Thus, in this era where youth spent a considerable
time on the internet, they are vulnerable to such information. In this respect
a variety of internet-based programmes that aim at educating and preventing
drug abuse among young people becomes necessary. Indeed, it could be said that
when it comes to tackling drug abuse, the ICT becomes an indispensable tool if
reasonable result is to be achieved.
Tackling health
care through information and communication technology
Health
care is one of the social issues mostly in developing countries of the world of
which Nigeria is included. ICT has the potential of tackling this social issue.
Health care facilities have been largely benefited by the environment of (ICT).
Owing to ICT, the whole world has become a small global village with regards to
medical and health care. Further, even within a particular state or country,
data could easily be transmitted from one place to another within no time at
all. Thus, ICT helps doctors, the general public and all other medical care
giver to store and easily retrieved medical data. Pharmaceutical industry enjoy
the biggest benefits of ICT. All the medical data available help in assessing
the medicine requirements, make them aware of similar research carried out in
different parts of the world. In a nutshell, ICT has contributed to a large
extent in improving the quality of health care as a whole all over the world.
ICT has made e-health positive, this is the concept in which doctors get better
access to patient information even if they live states apart. They also get a
faster access to medical records, case studies and helps in better
communication between doctors and pharmaceutists (international and
classification, 2015). Indeed, looking at the numerous benefits of ICT to the
health sector, its relevance in tackling the healthcare system is
unquestionable.
Tackling
corruption through information and communication technology
Corruption
is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, is common recognized and amply
documented to be one of the most fundamental and most vexing societal problems
around. Corruption has been documented to stunt development, stymie our
collective response to climate change, blunt our ability to construct fair
societies. ICT has a great potential to act as a democratic medium to fight
corruption as evidenced by its current use for e-government, several factors
have encourage – the trend. These include the growing interest in the potential
of e-government and open data to improve government and spur growth and
innovation, and ICTS capability to address specific principle agents, problems
and domestic. Other disruptive technologies outside pressure from citizens have
also increased ICT usage (Haidy and Oliver 2014).
ICT
is now widely used in e-government, its appeal lies in the enormous potential
to improve public service delivery, increase transparency and accountability in
government agencies and raise the level of participation available to the
citizens in the governance process.
Summary
Humans
are faced with various challenges which make life difficult. These challenges
which can be referred to as social issues are present in any given society
though it may not necessarily be at the same level. These social issues
include: unemployment, insecurity, corruption, drug abuse among others. To
properly tackle these issues, information and communication bring about this. In
terms of unemployment opportunities for teeming unemployed population mostly
youth ICT is capable of tackling it.
The
impact of ICT is also felt on the health sector as it facilitates easy and safe
storage and retrieval of medical records of patients. This process will
facilitate quick service delivery, through e-government.
ICT
holds the potentials of reducing corruption in government parastatals. Indeed, concerning
the relevance of ICT in tackling the various social issues discussed, it is
pertinent to state that ICT is indeed an indispensable tool if Nigeria yearn to
overcome or reduce its numerous social issues.
Conclusion
The
relevance of ICT in tackling social issues is overwhelming and glaring. ICT has
really impacted positively on various aspects of our lives. There is hardly any
human endeavour in which ICT has not penetrated into and improved it. In terms
of social ills plaguing our society, ICT has proved to be a relevant tool in
tackling such social issues which include unemployment, corruption drug abuse,
insecurity among others etc. Developed countries of the world like the United
States of America, the United Kingdom has relieved on ICT to tackle social
issues confronting their society and the results have been commendable.
However, developing countries like Nigeria are still being faced with numerous
social issues which have affected the quality and standard of living of its
citizenry. Thus, however, is a wake-up call to developing countries and other
developed countries yet to wholely
embrace ICT holds a promising result in that aspect. Nigeria, plagued with
numerous social problems should invest in ICT as it is a panacea to tackling
social issues effectively.
Recommendation
1. Information and communication
technology ICT should be used by the government of Nigeria in combating
insecurity.
2. In tackling the increasing rate of
unemployment in Nigeria, the government should utilize ICT infrastructures.
3. The health sector should also utilize
information and communication technology ICT to improve the quality of its
services in Nigeria.
4. The Nigerian government should adopt
e-government as this will help to reduce corruption.
5. The Nigerian educational sector should
be provided with information and communication technology ICT infrastructures
to enable it compete favourably with its counterparts in developed countries.
6. The Nigerian government should utilize
ICT infrastructures mostly the social media like facebook, twitter, whatsApp,
etc in educating youth on the danger of drug abuse.
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