Title: ASSESSMENT OF THE AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF COMPUTER LABORATORY RESOURCES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING IN FEDERAL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

Authors:
Ndukanma, Ngozika Agape
Nnaji Samuel Okechukwu & Alio Nnamdi Chidiebere

Abstract: Abstract This study examined the availability and utilization of computer laboratory resources for teaching and learning in Federal Colleges of Education in South East Nigeria. Two objectives, two research questions, and two null hypotheses guided the study, A descriptive survey design was adopted, with a population of 78, comprising 32 final-year NCE students and 46 lecturers from two Federal Colleges of Education in the study area. Total sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was validated by three experts from the Department of Computer and Robotics Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Reliability was established by administreing 10 copies of the questionnaire to five computer education lecturers and 5 third-year students at Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, using Cronbach Alpha method to determine the internal consistency. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentage for research Question 1and 2 while mean and standard deviation were used to answer the question 3. T-test was used to test the two null hypotheses at 0.05 level f significance. Findings revealed that while some colleges possess basic computer laboratory infrastructure, disparities exist in quality, quantity, and accessibility. Utilization of available resources is constrained by irregular power supply, limited internet connectivity, and inadequate training for both students and lecturers. Results further indicated no significant difference between the availability and utilization of computer laboratory resources on the quality of teaching and learning in the colleges studied. The study suggests that beyond infrastructure, deeper systemic issues such as teacher training, digital pedagogy, curriculum alignment, and effective management of resources must be addressed to enhance teaching and learning outcomes in Federal Colleges of Education, South East, Nigeria. Keywords: availability, utilization, computer, laboratory, resources, teaching, learning.

Publication Date: 2026-07-21