Internet access and usage by secondary school students in a Nigerian Municipality

The study investigated the use and patterns of use of the Internet among secondary school students in Ibadan, a Nigerian municipality, with a view to determining how widespread Internet use was and to examine the activities the students adopt the Internet for. It also aimed at determining possible misuse with a view to proffering solutions. A survey research design was adopted. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection and analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents use the Internet for leisure rather than for educational purposes, though some respondents affirmed improved reading habits and academic performances occasioned by Internet use. The greatest barrier to the full exploitation of the Internet was inadequate access. Some inherent risks and problems occasioned by Internet use - namely pornography, scams, etc. - were also identified. The study recommends that there is a need for school authorities and parentsto not only provide Internet facilities for students, but also to adopt strategies to monitor use so as to guard against misuse.