Knowledge and Use of Uniuyo Website by Academics of the University of Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

College and university websites serve a myriad of purposes. They are a resource for academic research, a hub for current students and a source of news for alumni. Moreover, websites offer great significance in the level of overall corporate performance and achievement, providing at the same time, improved nature of memorable experience with the institution by stakeholders. The University of Uyo is not left out in this experience as it hosts a website named www.uniuyo.edu.ng. This study assessed the extent of knowledge of academic staff about the website and found out their perceptions, gratifications and challenges of the academics regarding the website. It found that majority of the academic staff were aware of the existence of the website, perceived it as an information source that was easy to use, accessible and interactive. The academics used the website majorly as a means of sending and receiving information internally and for collaborations with colleagues outside the university as well as for research purposes. However, poor /unavailability of network, dated information as well as low computer skills among other factors majorly impeded their optimal utilization of the website. The study recommended that university management works towards increasing the availability of network and sustain access, interactivity as well as offer periodic training to academics on website usage.