Around the World – Back to Nigeria The Information Technology (IT) Centre at Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

PurposeTo see the implications and challenges of an Information Technology Centre in higher education institutions and libraries for instruction and learning.Design/methodology/approachDescribes how the Rivers State University of Science and Technology contributed to improved student competencies and higher rates of information and overall literacy and developed a new online presence.FindingsSustaining an IT Centre requires significant planning and ongoing resources not always readily available causing stress in the uncertainty of continued growth for the future.Research limitations/implicationsSupporting IT Centres is a management and financial challenge and as the success factors spread, the potential disappointments are greater when sustaining the accomplishments is such a challenge. Collaboration and partnerships are critical to the success of such programs.Practical ImplicationsStart small, dream big and demonstrate the utility an IT Centre has for the entire campus and external communities.ValueEducating readers globally that the digital divide is very real with institutional and support resources critical to the support of new programs such as establishing IT Centres.