Background of the Study
The role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has expanded considerably over the past decade. ICT tools, including software applications, play a crucial role in enhancing teaching and learning, administrative functions, and overall school management (Ibrahim & Olayiwola, 2024). However, the maintenance of these software systems remains a significant challenge for many schools in Nigeria. In Lokoja, Kogi State, ICT-driven secondary schools are increasingly adopting digital tools and software to improve educational processes, but the sustainability of these systems is hampered by poor software maintenance practices (Oladipo & Kanu, 2025).
Software maintenance encompasses activities such as troubleshooting, upgrading, and ensuring that software remains compatible with the hardware and operating environments. In Lokoja, secondary schools face difficulties in maintaining these systems due to a lack of technical expertise, inadequate funding for regular updates, and reliance on external contractors who may not always be reliable. The consequences of these challenges include system downtimes, data loss, and ineffective teaching methods, which ultimately undermine the benefits of ICT integration in education.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing adoption of ICT tools in secondary schools in Lokoja, Kogi State, the failure to properly maintain these systems is a critical issue. The inability to keep software updated, coupled with a lack of local technical support, has led to inefficiencies in teaching, learning, and school management (Akinwande & Abubakar, 2023). The study seeks to identify the challenges associated with software maintenance in ICT-driven schools and propose solutions for effective management and sustainability.
Objectives of the Study
To identify the challenges of software maintenance in ICT-driven secondary schools in Lokoja, Kogi State.
To assess the impact of poor software maintenance on the educational outcomes of secondary schools in Lokoja.
To propose strategies for improving software maintenance practices in ICT-driven schools in Lokoja.
Research Questions
What are the main challenges faced by secondary schools in Lokoja in maintaining their ICT software?
How does poor software maintenance affect the educational outcomes in ICT-driven secondary schools in Lokoja?
What strategies can be adopted to improve software maintenance in ICT-driven secondary schools in Lokoja?
Research Hypotheses
There is a significant relationship between the lack of software maintenance and the performance of ICT systems in secondary schools in Lokoja.
Poor software maintenance negatively impacts teaching and learning outcomes in ICT-driven secondary schools in Lokoja.
The adoption of structured software maintenance practices will significantly improve the effectiveness of ICT tools in secondary schools in Lokoja.
Significance of the Study
This study will provide critical insights into the challenges of software maintenance in secondary schools and offer practical solutions to enhance the sustainability of ICT systems. The findings will help school administrators, policymakers, and educational technology experts design more effective strategies for ICT maintenance, ensuring that these tools continue to support quality education in Lokoja and similar regions.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus exclusively on ICT-driven secondary schools within Lokoja LGA, Kogi State, examining software maintenance challenges. It will not explore other areas such as hardware maintenance or the specific software used. The study may also face limitations in obtaining data from schools with limited access to records or data on software systems.
Definitions of Terms
Software Maintenance: The process of ensuring that software remains operational and up-to-date, including bug fixes, upgrades, and ensuring compatibility with hardware.
ICT-driven Schools: Schools that heavily rely on Information and Communication Technology tools for teaching, administration, and school management.
Educational Outcomes: The results or achievements of students in terms of academic performance, skills acquisition, and overall development.
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