Impact of Information Communication Technology (ict) on Students' Performance in Secondary Schools in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State

ABSTRACTThis study examined the Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Students’ Performance in Secondary Schools in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State. The study aimed to assess the availability and adequacy of ICT facilities, determine the extent of ICT utilization by teachers and students, and investigate the relationship between ICT usage and students’ academic performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a population comprising teachers and students from selected public and private secondary schools. A total of 300 respondents were sampled using stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The findings revealed that ICT facilities in most secondary schools were inadequate and poorly maintained, with limited access to computers, internet, projectors, and other digital tools. ICT utilization by teachers and students was moderate, constrained by insufficient training, irregular electricity supply, and lack of technical support. However, the study established a strong positive relationship (r = 0.672) between ICT usage and students’ academic performance, indicating that increased ICT adoption enhances learning outcomes, engagement, and overall achievement. The study concluded that ICT has significant potential to improve teaching and learning, but its effectiveness in Jalingo LGA is currently limited by infrastructural and human capacity challenges. Consequently, the study recommended the provision of adequate ICT facilities, continuous teacher training, curriculum integration of digital literacy, and public-private partnerships to promote ICT development in schools. This research contributes to knowledge by providing local empirical evidence on ICT availability, utilization, and its impact on student performance, offering a foundation for policy formulation, educational planning, and future research in ICT-enhanced learning in Nigerian secondary schools.