BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The purpose of this is to understand the concept of the digital divide and examine the ways in which the divide can be bridged in Nigeria. A qualitative research approach which was based on the Diffusion of Innovation theory was employed to elicit primary data for in-depth insight into the study. The study used a purposive sampling technique to recruit a total of 30 participants from the 6 geo-political zones across Nigeria for a focused group discussion that lasted for a period of three weeks. According to the findings, the digital gap in Nigeria is caused by poverty and infrastructural inequalities between rural and urban areas. Furthermore, findings show that the digital gap in Nigeria is an intentional institutional and political phenomenon. The threats posed by the digital divide call for an all-inclusive approach that should result in improved economic development. It is recommended that closing the digital divide in Nigeria is critical to making socio-economic growth in Nigeria more equitable and sustainable. It is critical for Nigeria to bridge the ever-widening digital gap that exists between Africa and the rest of the globe, as well as inside and between African states, communities and people