Abstract
This chapter reviews the Nigerian Information Technology Policy which was approved in 2001. It x-rays the objectives of the policy, the sectoral applications, and the implementation strategies o the policy. A performance review of the policy was also done. The chapter concludes by requesting the government to ensure strict implementation of its national ICT policy in order to achieve the set objectives.
TopBackground
Information technology (IT) is a term which encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange, and use information in its various forms (business data, voice conversations, still images, motion pictures, multimedia presentations, and other forms, including those not yet conceived). It is a convenient term for including both telephony and computer technology in the same word. It is the technology which is driving what has often been called “the information revolution” (Data Center, 2005). Information technology (IT) is a force that has changed many aspects of our lives. the impact of ICT across the past two or three decades has been enormous in fields like medicine, tourism, travel, business, law, banking, engineering and architecture,. The way these fields operate today is vastly different from the ways they operated in the past decades (Soloway & Pior, 1996; Collis, 2002).
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to a broad spectrum of technologies that allows users to get, produce, ad share ideas and resources. It is any technology, which enables communication and the electronic capture, processing and transmission of information (Parliament Office of Science and Technology, 2006) ICTs have become very important to contemporary societies. Whether one is talking on the phone, sending an e-mail, going to the bank, using a library, listening to sports coverage on the radio, watching the news on television, working in an office or in the field, etc, one is using ICTs. (Adomi & Igun, 2008) In this chapter, IT and ICTs are used interchangeably.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Telecommunications: Is a communication process that allows the transmission of information from a sender to a receiver through an electromagnetic or light wave medium.
Information Technologies (ITs): Are electronic devices used for capture, strong manipulation and transmission of information.
Policy: is a plan of action intended to regulate conduct.
Web Services: Are automated resources accessed via the Internet.
Formulation: This is the determination of the best techniques for applying a new device or process of production of goods and services.
Wireless Technology: Is a tool for the transfer of information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or “wires”.
Mobile Phone: Is an electronic device that is used for mobile voice or data communication over a network of specialized base.