Computer Embracement In Nigeria

THE LEVEL OF EMBRACEMENT OF COMPUTER IN NIGERIA.

BY

UMOERA OSARO KINGSLEY REG. NO.: 2008 PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE POSTGADUATE SCHOOL OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

OCTOBER, 2009.

INTRODUCTION NIGERIA AS A NATION Nigeria happens to be the most populated country in Africa, with approximately one in six Africans being a Nigerian. Nigeria has a population of about 140 million, with over 250 different ethnic groups. Yet despite the population Nigeria‘s growth in the usage of computer and ICT sector has been poor. However, computer usage in the Nigerian society today has become much more important as ever. This goes to show that without the use of computer in most spheres of human endeavours, there will be a kind of setback. COMPUTER AND ITS USES It cannot be overemphasized how much we need computers to perform our daily activities both at workplace, schools, hospital, home, banks, government parastatals and agencies. In Nigeria today, most people are aware of the need to own or at least use a computer. But the problem is that beyond desktop computing - MS Office, Coreldraw, Pagemaker, scanning and printing - the computers we have are not being fully utilized. To this end, we shall categorically spell out what a computer is all about in the context of the word: “Computer”. A computer means different thing to different individuals and professionals. The Oford advanced learner’s dictionary simply defines computer as a machine that manipulates data according to a set of instructions. To some, it is an electronic device that receives, processes, and stores data, and produces a result (output). To some others, a computer is a device that monitors nitrogen in the body during a dive through mathematical algorithms. The device allows divers to multilevel dive and extend bottom time beyond what a dive table allows. Also to some others, it is a programmable device that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations, especially one that can process, store and retrieve large data. And finally to someone else, it is machine that manipulates data according to a set of instructions.

What a computer is used for, to a large extent determines what definition is given to it y its user. For the purpose of this study, I would want to define the computer as an electronic device which accepts inputs, processes them, stores data, and produces output following a predefined set of instructions. According to Kempf, Karl, although mechanical examples of computers have existed through much of recorded human history, the first electronic computers were developed in the mid-20th century (1940–1945). These were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers (PCs). Modern computers based on integrated circuits are millions to billions of times more capable than the early machines, and occupy a fraction of the space. Simple computers are small enough to fit into a wristwatch, and can be powered by a watch battery. Personal computers in their various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what most people think of as "computers". The embedded computers found in many devices from MP3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial robots are however the most numerous. The ability to store and execute lists of instructions called programs makes computers extremely versatile, distinguishing them from calculators. The computer gathers and exchange information with the outside world through its input /output unit. Thee devices are called peripherals. On a typical personal computer, peripherals include input devices like the keyboard and mouse, and output devices such as the display and printer. Hard disk drives, floppy disk drives and optical disc drives serve as both input and output devices. Computer networking is another form of I/O.. The computer is divided into hardware and software. The term hardware covers all of those parts of a computer that are tangible objects. Circuits, displays, power supplies, cables, keyboards, printers and mice are all hardware. While the Software refers to parts of the computer which do not have a material form, such as programs, data, protocols, etc. When software is stored in hardware that cannot easily be modified (such as BIOS ROM in an IBM PC compatible), it is sometimes called "firmware" to indicate that it falls into an uncertain area somewhere between hardware and software.

Among the major reasons why Human life is found to depend on computer are: Speed:

a computer speed is generally expressed in Megahertz (MHz), millions of

machine cycles per second. Work that could take several men some hours before it could e completed is done by computer in a few minutes of time. For instance, sending of mails, receiving of fax messages are in this category. Reliability: since computer is said to e a robot that does not respond to social-cultural factors, thereby makes it more reliable. Its production could e calculated before work begins with the assurance that it will meet up with that set standard. Accuracy: apart from being very fast in giving out result, computer has been found to be highly accurate. Today computers are used for forecasting of weather report, business returns, government policies, targeting of opponent at the warfront, etc. Storage Capaility: computer sytems can store data tremendously which can be located and retrieved efficiently. The era of pilling documents in office cabinets is gone. Today billions of documents could be saved into a memory chip. This thereby makes it easier to e used when needed, transfers, even replaced if need be. PROFESIONS AND ORGANISATIONS According to As the use of computers has spread throughout society, there are an increasing number of careers involving computers. The computer finds itself useful in the following areas or fields and more of human endeavours. 1.

Word processing, Desktop publishing, Presentation program, Database management system, Scheduling & Time management, Spreadsheet, Accounting software;

2.

Browser, E-mail client, Web server, Mail transfer agent, Instant messaging;

3.

Computer-aided design, Computer-aided manufacturing, Plant management, Robotic manufacturing, Supply chain management;

4.

Raster graphics editor, Vector graphics editor, 3D modeler, Animation editor, 3D computer graphics, Video editing, Image processing;

5.

Digital audio editor, Audio playback, Mixing, Audio synthesis, Computer music;

6.

Compiler, Assembler, Interpreter, Debugger, Text editor, Integrated development environment, Software performance analysis, Revision control, Software configuration management;

7.

Edutainment, Educational game, Serious game, Flight simulator;

8.

Strategy, Arcade, Puzzle, Simulation, First-person shooter, Platform, Massively multiplayer, Interactive fiction;

9.

Artificial intelligence, Antivirus software, Malware scanner, Installer/Package management systems, File manager; and

10.

programming.

Categorically, we say that computer use is classified into the hardware-related ad software related usage. This implies that the hardware related include the following; Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Computer engineering, Telecommunications engineering, Optical engineering, Nanoengineering; while the software-related include the following; Computer science, Desktop publishing, Human–computer interaction, Information technology, Computational science, Software engineering, Video game industry, Web design. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF BENEFITS OF COMPUTER USAGE • • • • • • •

Improvement in quality of life Efficiency gains Jobs created Skills enhanced Wealth increased Use of ICTs for political empowerment ICTs to challenge harmful traditional values and practices

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT Computers and other related technologies have become an enormous part of our daily lives. They have altered our sense of people, space, and time. From our living rooms, we

can now talk to people, and watch events unfold in far-off places. Shopping, banking, and game playing are just a few of the other daily activities that have also changed. So many aspects of the ways we communicate and handle information have been altered by technological development. Cellular phones, answering machines, voice mail, fax machines, cable televisions, computer networks, satellite communications and e-mail are only some recent changes. Other manifestations of this change would be the location of where it is happening. Yes, it is everywhere, including the classrooms for the use of educating children. Technology is now becoming more popular in the presence of classrooms all around the world. Tomorrow's future is in the hands of today's people. These machines are being produced to compute at a faster rate, for a cheaper cost. These are the known facts. Recently, our own Prof. Philip Emeagwali, revolutionized the speed of computer by introducing the fastest computer in the world and was honoured and celebrated for it. EXPOSURE OF NIGERIANS TO COMPUTER USAGE According to Casey, Jean, computers are existing or being used everywhere in the world. As computers have become less expensive they have been purchased by more and more families for their homes. Because of this, many children begin to use computers at an early age. Even if computers are not available in their home, children almost certainly will begin to come into contact with computers in school. Some adults are amazed by how readily young children use computers. Many children find that using computers gives them a sense of power and accomplishment. And, unlike many adults whose first or primary contact with computers is work related, most children first use computers for entertainment purposes and games. This is by no means the only use that children have for computers. Children also use computers for accessing information, as well as for writing stories and research papers. In addition, children use a variety of learning programs, which either seek to teach or reinforce basic skills in math, language, reading, and other subjects. Other software allows children to draw pictures or create visual works of art and self-expression. Communication with others is growing as an application of computers by children,

particularly as more homes and schools gain access to the Internet. As computers continue to become more powerful, increasing numbers of children are using computers to create multimedia presentations and even web sites that include pictures, text, audio, and even video. It is intended that Students will use the computer on the Internet to gain access to educational materials; citizens will use it to exchange ideas; and business women and men will use it to promote their commercial ventures, but the unfortunate thing is that most people are still not opportuned to use the computer. This can be a result of the following questions: 1. Are these computers really necessary? 2. who funds these machines (cost)? 3. Who already has the education to teach others about this subject, and will that just cost more money? 4. Are they efficient, and really worth it? 5. How has the socio-demographic composition of people affected access to and use of computers? 6. is there any individual differences in capabilities and opportunities? 7. is there gender stratification? 8. what is the level of education? 9. how much exposure does an average Nigerian has?, etc.

having these questions in mind, one would have a catalogue of reasons why Nigerian people are not able to meet up with the rest of the world in terms of computer usage. NIGERIA IN COMPARATIVE STUDY. Society today is characterized and dominated by applications of modern information and communication technology (ICT) virtually in all aspects of human endeavors for

information access, processing and dissemination. Consequently, the impact of computer and its related infrastructures utilization has cut across economics, politics, education, medicine, and other fields of human development. Through the use of computer and its related infrastructures, modern society has been described as an information age and the knowledge economy. Thus access to computer and its related infrastructures, the internet technology in particular, has provided people with a foundation for building up and applying knowledge globally and particularly in developing nations. The World Bank (2002) in its report contended that, in the rapidly evolving electronic environment, developing countries face opportunity costs if they delay greater access to and use of information infrastructure and information technology (IT), which together make up ICT. According to the report, computer and its related infrastructures is the key for economic development and growth; it offers opportunities for global integration while retaining the identity of traditional societies. computer and its related infrastructures can also increase the economic and social being of poor people, empower individuals and communities; and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the public sector. However, in Nigeria, there is a disparity in the level of accessibility to computer and its related infrastructures between the private and public sectors of the economy. In most public institutions: such as universities, polytechnics, primary and post-primary schools, and government ministries, access to computer and its related infrastructures, if not completely lacking, is inadequate. This trend is confirmed by the World Bank (2002) report that, although growth in the use of ICT in developing countries recently has been impressive, it remains both inequitable both among and between countries. According to Rose Bini Okiy, Nigeria is a predominantly rural country. Precise up-to-date information on rural population size and growth patterns is not available. It is believed however, that more than 60% of Nigerians live in rural areas. This disproportionately large percentage or rural dwellers has many adverse effect. The rural population in Nigeria has extensive information needs. According to Alvin and Hiedi Toffler, the world has three contrasting and competing civilizations: agrarian, industrial, and information; “the first still symbolized by the hoe; the

second by the assembly line; and the third by the computer” (Toffler, 1993). Agrarian societies supply agricultural and mineral resources, Industrial societies provide cheap labor, and Information societies rise to dominance based on the new ways in which they create and exploit knowledge (Toffler, 1993). Nigeria currently exists primarily in the agrarian age because most of its population earns a living through farming and agriculture, although in some areas Nigeria has moved into the industrial age as evidenced by its oil production capabilities.

The Nigerian

agrarian culture contrasts with countries like the United States, Japan, Great Britain, and Germany, which exist mainly in the information age. Information age nations sell culture, education, information, technology, and provide military support to other countries (Toffler, 1993). Nigeria could evolve with the introduction of a solid IT infrastructure and possibly progress directly into the information age, bypassing industrialization and becoming the forerunner of information technology in Africa.

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Kempf, Karl (1961). Historical Monograph: Electronic Computers Within the Ordnance Corps.

Aberdeen Proving Ground (United States Army). http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/U-S-Ord-61.html.

2.

Oxford

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Oxford

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1989,

http://dictionary.oed.com/, retrieved 2009-04-10. 3.

http://emeagwali.com/interviews/Guardian/970629.html

4. Casey, Jean. Early Literacy: The Empowerment of Technology. Engle- wood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 2000. 5. Read more: http://social.jrank.org/pages/152/ComputerLiteracy.html#ixzz0TMfWseJj http://social.jrank.org/pages/156/Computers.html#ixzz0TM3ci2V4

Toffler, Alvin & Heidi. (1993). War and Anti-War: Survival at the Dawn of the 21st Century. Little, Brown, and Company. Canada.