Speaker
Description
(fisen), I. M. H.
Umaru Sanda Ahmadu College of Education, Minna. Niger State, Nigeria.
dodondawa2000@gmail.com
Track: Digital Transformation in Higher Education
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed higher education globally, creating new opportunities for teaching, learning, research, and institutional management. However, the benefits of digitalization remain unevenly distributed across Nigerian higher education institutions due to persistent infrastructural and socio-economic challenges. This paper examines the nature and implications of the digital divide in Nigerian higher education and its impact on the development of Dual-Mandate future-ready graduates. Adopting a conceptual review approach, the study identifies major barriers including inadequate ICT infrastructure, unreliable power supply, poor internet connectivity, insufficient funding, and low levels of digital literacy among students and academic staff across the North Central Nigeria. The paper further explores emerging opportunities associated with e-learning platforms, artificial intelligence, virtual learning environments, and digital research tools for improving educational access, quality, and innovation. It argues that bridging the digital divide requires strategic investment in digital infrastructure, effective policy implementation, capacity building, and strengthened collaboration between government, higher education institutions, and the private sector. The study concludes that overcoming digital inequalities is critical to building resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive Dual Mandate Colleges of Education capable of supporting sustainable national development in Nigeria.