Electronic networking in Nigeria: prospects and challenges

Abstract

The paper examined the need and the various attempts being made to go networking in Nigeria. It discusses the advantages derivable from shared resources between organisations institutions and various professional bodies. It cites the attempts of the Nigerian Intranet Group NUNets by the National Universities Commission and the co‐operation between the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile‐Ife and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics from Italy as worthwhile which should be encouraged. It however highlights some of the challenges facing these attempts in a developing country like Nigeria. Some of these are poor telecommunication systems, ineffective use of information technologies, inadequate financial backing and even lack of the technological know how. It finally advises that by the turn of the 21st century resource sharing electronically should be a common phenomenon in the developed countries.