Information Communication Technology Competences of Undergraduate Students in Library and Information Science at Federal University of Lokoja, Kogi State

This study investigated the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) competencies of undergraduate students in Library and Information Science at the Federal University ofLokoja, Kogi State.The objectives were to determine students' levels of ICT competence, identify the ICT skills they possess, examine the impact of ICT competence on their academic work, highlight barriers to effective ICT usage, and suggest strategies for improvement.The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a population of 700 LIS undergraduates across four (4) Academic levels (100-400).Using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size table, a sample of 248 respondents was selected through a multistage sampling technique.Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.Findings revealed that LIS undergraduates generally possess moderate-to-high ICT competence, with strongest skills in basic computer operations, search engine usage, and social media for academic purposes.However, lower proficiency was recorded in troubleshooting ICT problems and using specialized library software.ICT competence was found to significantly enhance students' academic performance, research skills, problemsolving abilities, and career preparedness.Major barriers identified included limited ICT facilities, frequent power outages, inadequate ICT training opportunities, poor internet connectivity, and high costs of internet services.Recommended strategies for improvement included upgrading ICT infrastructure, expanding practical training in specialized tools, improving internet access, reducing costs of ICT resources, and fostering industry partnerships for hands-on experience.The study concludes that strengthening ICT competence among LIS students is essential for their academic success and professional readiness in an increasingly digital information environment.• Identify barriers to effective use of ICT amongst undergraduate students in LIS at Federal University of Lokoja.• Suggest ways of improving ICT Competence amongst undergraduate student at Federal University of Lokoja. Research QuestionsIn line with the stated objectives of the study, the following research questions were raised to guide the study:1. What is the level of competency of undergraduate students of LIS in use of ICT in Federal University of Lokoja? 2. What ICT skills do undergraduate students of LIS possess in Federal University of Lokoja? 3. What is the impact of ICT competence of LIS undergraduate in Federal University of Lokoja? 4. What are the barriers to effective use of ICT by LIS undergraduate students in Federal University of Lokoja? 5. What are the ways to improving ICT competence and skills among LIS undergraduate in Federal University of Lokoja? Concept of Information Communication Techology CompetenceICT competency refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to effectively use digital technologies for learning, research, and professional activities.In the context of LIS education, ICT competencies enable students to manage digital libraries, access online resources, and use information management tools (Redecker, 2017).ICT competency refers to the ability to use digital technologies effectively in academic and professional settings.According to UNESCO (2021), ICT competency encompasses knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to utilize digital tools for learning, problem-solving, and innovation.Several models exist for understanding ICT competencies in higher education.The Digital Competence Framework for Educators (DigCompEdu) (Redecker, 2017) highlights key areas such as digital resource management, communication, information retrieval, and content creation.LIS education and ICT competencies entail the ability to utilize library management software, digital repositories, online databases, and automated cataloging systems.The integration of ICT in LIS programs ensures that students are equipped to manage digital information resources effectively. Concept of Library and Information Science (LIS)Library and Information Science (LIS) is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the organization, management, preservation, and dissemination of information in both traditional and digital formats.It integrates principles from library science, information technology, knowledge management, and digital curation to support efficient information retrieval and use.According to Bawden and Robinson (2022), LIS is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, with modern libraries transitioning from physical book collections to digital information hubs that provide access to electronic databases, online journals, and automated cataloging systems. The importance of LIS in today's digital world is evident in its role in facilitating knowledge access, supporting academic research, and promoting digital literacy. With the rise of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, LIS professionals are increasingly required to possess advanced ICT skills, including expertise in library automation, electronic resource management, and digital preservation (Ocholla & Shongwe, 2022).