International Journal of Academic Research in Education and Review

Vol. 14(2), pp. 35-47, April 2026

ISSN: 2360-7866

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijarer2026115

 

Full Length Research

 

 

Addressing the Framework & Mechanisms of Digital-Divide Issues & Challenges in Nigerian Information Society for Sustainable National Development in the 21st Century

 

Olubiyo, O. Peter Ph.D

 

University Library Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo State, Nigeria

Corresponding author’s E-mail: olubiyopeter@gmail.com  

Accepted 23 April 2026

Abstract

Abstract: The ability of Nigeria to create an inclusive, equitable, and productive information society is inseparably connected with the realization of sustainable national development in the 21st century where all citizens, irrespective of geographical location, gender, income level, age, and academic qualifications, would have access, utilization, and material benefits of digital information resources and technologies. Nonetheless, the information society in Nigeria is still incredibly and structurally divided. Although Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) estimates 164.4 million active internet connections as of March 2024, making Nigeria the biggest internet market in Africa, the quality, cost, geographic reach, and digital literacy aspects of that connectivity highlight the presence of profound, systematic structural disparities that degrade equitable access to information, hinder economic performance, and jeopardize the realisation of Nigeria sustainable development goals. National Bureau of statistics (NBS) confirms that in 2023, the digital economy sector contributed 18.2% to GDP, and in Q1 2025, it contributed 14.19 to GDP- a phenomenal structural change is brought about by telecommunication, fintech, and ICT services. However, this economic contribution coincides with an information society where about 27 million Nigerians do not have access to any telecommunications infrastructure, more than 60% of the rural population is inadequately served by broadband, and Nigerian women are 29% less likely than men to be using mobile internet (GSMA, 2022). This paper presents an end-to-end, theoretically-based, and evidence-based analysis of the digital divide in the Nigerian information society. It interprets the concept and various dimensions of the digital divide; reviews the structures, policies and processes that Nigeria has implemented to overcome the digital divide; critically evaluates the challenges that have plagued the digital divide structures; evaluates the transformative role played by digital information resources in sustainable national development; maps a strategic path forward; and finally presents practical recommendations to policymakers, information professionals and development partners. The evidence used in the paper includes reports by the NCC industry, the NBS GDP, the ITU global data, empirical research by Nigerian universities, the review by the World Bank, and the recent evaluation of the Nigerian landmark 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, the largest tech talent accelerator in the world operated by the state.

 

Key Words: Digital Divide, Nigeria, Information Society, Sustainable Development, ICT Policy, National Development, Digital Inclusion, Internet Access, Digital Literacy, 3MTT, Fintech, NCC, SDGs, Rural-Urban Divide, Gender Digital Divide

Paper type: research