Investigating the Impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Illiteracy Levels on the Academic Performance of First-Year Students: A Case of Emmanuel University

Information Communication Technology (ICT), gives University students a better understanding of how an academic work should be presented and submitted for assignments, exercises, examinations, research work and others. The impact of ICT on students’ academic performance in early stages of University Education includes benefits like developing the ability to use the University’s academic standards of writing or presenting class work or assignments, seminars, and also research-related presentations. The benefits of using ICT outweigh its challenges once one acquires the skill, though society may view the use of ICT as unattainable. This study investigated the impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) illiteracy levels on the academic performance of first year students at Emmanuel University. Based on SDT, ICT Engagement Theory, it is suggested that students’ interests, positive social interactions, autonomy and competence related to ICT increase their intrinsic motivation. This enables them to challenge themselves with self-driven technology use, which can generate conditions conducive to optimal academic performance. Results of the study revealed that lack of knowledge in ICT affects the academic performance of first year university students in many ways. The study recommends that universities should focus on adequately orienting or training first year students in the use of various types of ICT and encourage that they keep practicing the skill to become more skillful and experienced.