Information Communication Technology: Are Nigeria’s University Students Using It More for Social and Leisure Activities?
Eucharia O. Ejechi

Abstract
The use of ICT by Nigeria’s university students was investigated. Information on possession or access to laptop, desktop and cell phones and the use was obtained from 1500 students with a structured questionnaire. Prevalence of ownership/access was 100, 30.9 and 1.0%, for cell phones, laptops and desktops, respectively while the use was 100.0, 35.0 and 9.3%, respectively. Prevalence of the use of ICT for social/leisure-related activities was markedly higher than for academic work (17.1-98.1 vs 8.7-89.6%). Mature (≥30 years) and post graduate students were more likely to use ICT for academic purpose (OR, 1.57/2.41; 95% CL, 0.53-2.46/1.04-4.72; P<0.01). Younger students (<30 years) and non-postgraduate students use ICT more for social/leisure activity (OR, 2.30/6.76; 95% CL, 1.84-3.3/4.4-8.5; P<0.01). Desktop or laptop was associated with academic work (OR, 2.3; 95% CL, 1.6-3.4; P<0.05). Use of laptops by students should be encouraged to limit the distraction of social applications facilitated by cell phones.

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