University of Nebraska - Lincoln

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

October 2021

Internet Access for Effective Academic Performance among

Rhema University Students
Wisdom Okereke Anyim
Rhema University, Aba, Nigeria, wisdomaris@gmail.com

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac

Part of the Arts and Humanities Commons, Educational Technology Commons, and the Social and
Behavioral Sciences Commons

Anyim, Wisdom Okereke, "Internet Access for Effective Academic Performance among Rhema University
Students" (2021). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 6329.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/6329
Internet Access for Effective Academic Performance among Rhema University Students

Wisdom O. Anyim, Ph.D.

Rhema University, Nigeria
Email: wisdomaris@gmail.com

Abstract
The study explored the effect of Internet access on academic performance of Rhema
University Students. The descriptive survey design was adopted with four (4) research
questions that guided the study. 252 students of Rhema University who registered with the
university library for the 2020/2021 academic session constituted the population of the study
and they were all studied without sample as the population was manageable. The instrument
for data collection was structured questionnaire which was administered to the respondents
by the researcher. Out of 252 copies of questionnaire distributed, only 221 were returned and
used for the study with 88% return rate. The collected data was analyzed using frequency
counts and percentages. The findings of the study showed that majority of students have
unlimited access to the Internet. Findings also revealed that students use the Internet to access
general information; obtain course related information; download e-books and journals;
network with friends and colleagues and also to send and receive e-mails. It was also
discovered through this study that internet helps to keep students informed on the new trend
across disciplines; Internet resources complements what is being taught in the classroom and
also helps to improve students’ grade points. Finally, the result showed that slow Internet
speed, lack of adequate provision of computers and poor computer skills are major problems
encountered in the use of the Internet in the university library while respondents have no
issue with the power supply. It was recommended that the university management should
acquire high speed internet connection with maximum bandwidth in order to solve the
problem of slow internet connectivity. Extensive training programmes should also be
organized at regular intervals so that all categories of users can improve their efficiency in the
use of the internet.

Keyword: Internet, Internet Access, Academic Performance, University Library, Rhema

University

INTRODUCTION

In this period of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the number of Internet
users is unexpectedly growing, and has broadened the scope of verbal exchange. Developing
countries like Nigeria aren't exempted from this fashion. The yearning for the Internet stems
from its important position in ensuring easy access to online books, journals, magazines and
other information resources irrespective of one’s destination, time and space. The digital
revolution that brought transformation in social integration and communication has not
only influenced business operations and socio-cultural relationships but also has a pull of
influence on learning and research activities. With the arrival of the Internet in the world of

1
academia, research output is no longer suffering a dead blow as it used to be swept under a
shelf with limited visibility and access to scholars in research and learning (Anyim, 2021d).

The university library’s greatest interest lies in helping the users actualize their academic
objectives by creating opportunities for the users to access and retrieve their desired
information with relative ease. Through the Internet, the quest of the library to make access to
information easier is facilitated (Anyim, 2018b). Internet is a huge “network of networks,” a
networking platform that globally connects hundreds of thousands of computers together,
forming a network in which any computer can interact with human as long as the computer is
connected to the internet. The Internet is the delivery automobile for the information saved in
documents. It carries together numerous records and services, consisting of e mail, online
chat, document transfer, the interlinked Web pages and different files of the World Wide
Web.

The Internet today has impacted each element of our life which includes, training,
entertainment, business operation, verbal exchange, social hobby, purchasing, and so forth.
With over 50million web sites on the internet, the possibilities are that information on any
issue however obscure can be located using suitable search engines. It also serves as a
beneficial tool for teachers in helping to put together lesson plans. The University library has
a part to play via the supply of extensive amount of information sources through the Internet.
The Internet helps the library provide lecturers and students with the resources to collect and
analyse data, create multimedia presentations and acquire greater depth of knowledge
(Anyim, 2018a). Nigerian university students have now turned their attention to using the
Internet for the purpose of studying, conducting research and obtaining general information.
Therefore, with the greater attention given to the internet because of its several benefits, the
greater number of university students have become so attached to the Internet which has great
impact on their studying attitude. However, university students employ the internet for
studying, carrying out research, completing homework and acquiring personal information.

Rhema University is an accredited private, Christian university based in the city of Aba, Abia
State, Nigeria, founded by the Living Word Ministries International and licensed by the
National Universities Commission in 2009. The University has a well-established library that
caters for information needs of the overall university stakeholders – students, faculty and
non-academic staff. University libraries provide unlimited internet access for effective use of
available resources and services covering the academic curriculum of the university by the
staff, students, faculty members and research fellows to enable them achieve their
information needs (Anyim and Mole 2021). There is no empirical evidence on the prevalent
situation of the internet access in the Rhema University Library. Based on this fact, this study
sought to investigate the level of Internet access, purpose, influence and problems associated
with Internet access in the university.

2
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of the study is to assess the impact of internet access on the academic
performance of students. Specifically, the study sought to:
1. Determine if students have access to the Internet in Rhema University
2. Examine the purpose of use of the Internet in Rhema University
3. Assess the influence of Internet use on students’ academic performance
4. Identify the problems encountered in the use of internet services?
1.4 Research Questions
1. How much access do students have to the internet in Rhema University?
2. What are the purposes for using the Internet by students of Rhema University?
3. How has the internet influenced students’ academic performance?
4. What are the problems encountered in the use of internet services?

LITERATURE REVIEW

Concept of Internet
There are varieties of approach and manner of gaining access to the Internet. With the
advancement of technology, students can now have access to online services via their cell
phones, play stations and numerous digital gadgets. There are also various assets available
within the World Wide Web that make the academic processes easier than the traditional
tactics. The Internet is an inseparable part of modern-day instructional system. The academics
greatly utilize the potentials of the Internet for instructional functions. Due to the importance
of Internet, majority of educational institutions offer Internet devices to students, instructors,
and researchers (Kumar and Kaur, 2006). Advancement in technology has brought so much
fundamental effects on education. Many tertiary institutions around the world are increasing
their investment in data technology (IT), particularly the Internet, and also actively promoting
Internet utilization in tertiary institutions (Al-Nuaimy, Zhang & Noble, 2001. The use of the
Internet for learning is seen as a way to improve accessibility, performance and high-quality
instruction by means of facilitating access to sources and service in addition to information
exchange and collaboration.

Internet provides access to updated knowledge and global information which has made it a
crucial element of electronic services in educational institutions. Therefore, the Internet has
come to be a treasured tool for learning, teaching and research which include collaborative
research in Nigeria. We are informed that 84.6% of the world’s population have internet
access. More people are joining the internet each day in the global community. Within the
African environment, internet connectivity is highest in the educational institution while
students and faculties remain the largest consumer of the Internet (Jagboro, 2003). Many
academic institutions have made their effect felt via the internet. Researchers can post and
additionally gain access to numerous publications throughout the nation through the Internet,
even from their private computer systems once they are connected to the Internet.

3
The internet facilitates knowledge, coaching, studies and guide. Ogedebe (2012) conducted a
study at university of Maiduguri Nigeria on university students’ instructional overall
performance and internet usage and discovered that students are computer literate and that
their educational overall performance stepped up through the use of the Internet. Ogedebe
further discovered that Internet has the following effects on students’ academic performance:
Improved Grade Points Average (GPA) of students, facilitating Continuous Assessment and
Examination. There are different uses of Internet among students. According to Gudimani
and Mulimani (2008), majority of students use the internet to access online database,
electronic journals, Online Public Access Catalogue, E-mail and also for collaboration.g

Internet Access and Impact on Students’ Academic Performance

The university students have Internet access through their university library for their
academic work, Email and online chart. With respect to frequency of Internet among
students, Waldman (2003) observes that students use the Internet to access library electronic
assets on regular intervals. Becker (2000) posits that how often a scholar accesses the Internet
in the university, depends significantly on how many computer systems are available with
internet connectivity and whether they are placed inside the study room or elsewhere.
Jagboro (2004) identified the advantages of Internet to educational activities as follows:
Quick, worldwide and handy access to / and exchange of records with experts in any
discipline; easy dissemination of research findings; enhanced collaborative studies and other
sports and ability to use some software program and make bigger the functionality of one’s
competences. Access to digital resources depend so much on the Internet and it is very
important as it provides student and other users with up-to-date information, complete
information from different sources, speedy and easy access to information, and more (Anyim,
2021b)

The impacts of computer systems as a tool that boosts or supplements classroom instruction
are felt by the university students. It was observed in literature that inadequate access to
internet can be associated with lower instructional fulfillment. Internet has the ability to
transform the nature of training especially in the manner in which students and instructors
interact in the studying process. Course contents can be accessed from any Internet-enabled
device, allowing teachers to meet with students at any location in cyberspace (Anyim,
2021c). Leuven, Lindahi, Oosterbeek and Webbink (2004) on the contrary, stated that there
may be no proof for a relationship among elevated instructional use of Internet and students’
overall performance. Meanwhile, they find a continuously bad and marginally large
relationship among Internet users and a few scholars success measures. Karim and Hassan
(2006) also mentioned that the exponential growth in digital facts has modified the manner
students perceive, observe and analyze information. Adegboji and Toyo (2006) in their study
on the impact of Internet on research stated that internet contributed notably to the ease of
studies through downloading resources.

4
It is commonly believed that researchers and university students in higher education
establishments are combating the problem of insufficient and out-of-date resources. One of
the approaches to pursue knowledge is through studies, and the Internet is having a profound
effect on the studies procedure and dissemination of information (Kamba, 2008). Rehman
and Ramzy (2004) explored the attention and use of electronic information resources among
fitness lecturers. Results show that libraries are significantly used for research desires,
guidance of lectures, and for acquiring modern-day information. Anyim (2021a) carried out a
study to determine the perception of library users on the use of ICT facilities in Abia State
Polytechnic Library, Nigeria, unfortunately; it was discovered that users are not satisfied with
the adequacy of computers, internet and databases facilities available in the library.
The use of internet plays a prime role in helping students access massive range of resources
from wide arrays of sources (Ilo and Ifijeh, 2010). With internet facilities, lecturers and
students can meet without physical interaction between and still attain equal objective.
Moreover, teaching, learning and research can be enhanced with the Internet Access
(Ugwulebo and Okoro, 2016).

Internet as affirmed by Awoleye, Siyanbola and Oladapo (2008) is used for information
improvement, enhanced communication, improved instructional performances, research
device, solution to assignments, facts finder and a source of scholarship. Oyedun (2007)
conducted a study on the extent of use of Interne in the library of Federal University of
Technology, Minna and discovered that through the Internet services within the library,
students have progressed substantially in their instructional overall performance.

It has been observed that students spend a vast amount of their time on the internet for
multiple purposes (Bragdon and Dowler, 2016). According to Ogedebe (2012), students
mostly used Internet in the library for educational purpose. Academic performance of many
students has been advanced through the use of the Internet. While serious students spend
drastically extra time using the Internet for educational and work-related purposes, the other
group of students spend more of their time on online chatting and social networking.
Despite amazing worries over excessive Internet use, Siraj et al. (2015) concluded that high
internet usage brings higher academic results as university students get the possibility to
access global information at one click.

The use of internet has revolutionized the manner and way the global communities supply
and use recorded knowledge. It was revealed in literature that sub-Saharan Africans are not
maximizing the usage of Internet. The predominant reason for such low use is in tandem with
Cisse (2004) which include incapability to gain access to the Internet equipment and problem
encountered in using the device. Chifwepa (2003) recognized lack of steering, inadequate
ICT skill and inadequate internet facilities as parts of the reasons for low use. Anyim (2018c)
identified lack of competence in ICT as one of the problems students have in the use of
Internet services. Similarly, Anyim (2020a) posits that poor internet connectivity, lack of

5
steady power supply, lack of information retrieval skills, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and
insufficient functional computers constitute the challenges associated with the utilization of
web resources by the students. There are other problems associated with Internet use which
include slowness of the server.

Nwokedi (2007) posits that lack of ICT competencies remains an obstacle to use of internet.
It was recommended that provision of effective Internet/server to enhance the accessibility of
e-resources, online user guideline for accessing e-resources, creation of user-friendly
interfaces for easy access to online contents, etc. can go a long way to improve students’
access to Internet services and e-resources in the library (Anyim, 2020b).

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Descriptive survey researcher method was adopted for this study. The population of the study
consist of 252 students of Rhema University who registered with the university library for the
v2020/2021 academic session. No sample was used as the population is manageable. 252
copies of questionnaire were administered by the researcher and 221 were returned with 88%
return rate. The collected data was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This section contains a detailed and precise analysis of the data of respondents gathered
through the questionnaire. A total of 252 questionnaires were distributed and 221
representing 88% were collected and used for the study.
RQ1: How much access do students have to the internet in Rhema University?
Table 1: Access to the Internet.
Item Number of Respondents Percentage (%)
Unlimited Access 116 52.5
Limited Access 96 43.4
No Access at All 9 4.1
Total 221 100
Source: Field Survey 2021.

Table 1 shows that 116 (52.5) respondents have unlimited access to the Internet; 96 (43.4%)
of the respondents have limited access to the internet while 9 (4.1%) of the respondents have
no access at all to the internet. The result revealed that majority of students have unlimited
access to the Internet in Rhema University library. The finding supports the result of Anyim
and Mole (2021) which showed that university libraries provide unlimited internet access for
effective use of available resources and services covering the academic curriculum of the
university by the staff, students, faculty members and research fellows to enable them
achieve their information needs. The findings of Becker (2000) revealed that access to the

6
Internet in the university library depends significantly on how many computer systems that
are available, functional and with internet connectivity.

RQ2: What are the purposes for using the Internet by students of Rhema University?

Table 2: Purposes for Internet Usage.

Item Frequency Percentage (%)

Access General Information 48 21.7
Obtain Course Related Information 46 20.8
Download E-books and Journal 44 19.9
Network with Friends and Colleagues 43 19.5
Send and Receive E-mails 40 18.1
Total 221 100
Source: Field Survey, 2021

Table 2 shows that 48 (21.7%) of the respondents use the Internet to access general
information; 46 (20.8%) of the respondents use the Internet to obtain course related
information; 44 (19.9%) use the internet to download e-books and journals; 43 (19.5) of the
respondents use the Internet to network with friends and colleagues while 40 (18.1%) of the
respondents use the Internet to send and receive e-mails. The findings are in line with
Ogedebe (2012) who discovered that students use the Internet for educational and work-
related purposes, online chatting and social networking. Furthermore, Adegboji and Toyo
(2006) discovered that internet is used to ease studies through downloading of resources (E-
books and Journals). Similar to the finding of this study, Gudimani and Mulimani (2008)
discovered that majority of students use the internet to access online database, electronic
journals, Online Public Access Catalogue, E-mail and also for collaboration.

RQ3: How has the internet influenced students’ academic performance?

Table 3: Internet Use and Academic Performance.
Item Frequency Percentage (%)
Internet access helps to keep students informed on 71 32.1
the new trend across disciplines
Internet resources complements what is being 68 30.8
taught in the classroom
Internet use helps to improve grade points 49 22.2
Frequent use of Internet causes a decline in grade 33 14.9
points
Total 221 100
Source: Field Survey, 2021
7
Table 3 shows that 71 (32.1%) of the respondents agreed that the use of internet helps to keep
students informed on the new trend across disciplines; 68 (30.8%) revealed that Internet
resources complements what is being taught in the classroom; 49 (22.2%) agreed that the use
of Internet helps to improve grade points 33 (14.9%) agreed that frequent use of the Internet
causes a decline in grade points. The findings resonated with Ogedebe (2012) who discovered
that students’ educational overall performance stepped up through the use of the Internet,
improved Grade Points Average (GPA) of students, facilitating Continuous Assessment and
Examination.

RQ4: What are the problems encountered in the use of internet services?
Table 4: Problems encountered in the use of Internet services.
Item Frequency Percentage (%)
Slow Internet Speed 83 37.5
Lack of Adequate Provision of Computers 70 31.7
Poor Computer Skills 53 24.0
Power Failure 15 6.8
Total 221 100
Source: Field Survey, 2021.

Table 4 shows that 83 (37.5%) of the respondents experience slow internet speed while using
the internet; 70 (31.7%) revealed that the problem they encounter is lack of adequate
provision computers; 53 (24.0%) indicated poor computer skills while 15 (6.8%) indicated
power failure. The finding revealed slow Internet speed, lack of adequate provision of
computers and poor computer skills as major problems encountered in the use of the Internet
in the university library. In line with findings of the study, Chifwepa (2003) and Anyim
(2018c) identified lack of competence in ICT as one of the problems students encounter in
the use of Internet services. Similarly, Anyim (2020a) included slowness and poor internet
connectivity, unsteady power supply, lack of information retrieval skills, inadequate ICT
infrastructure among the problems associated with the use of internet in the universities.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that the Internet has opened the door to a new way of learning. This
can be a basis for advancing the adoption of ICT in Nigerian universities and other
educational institutions. Lecturers can leverage on the Internet facilities to deliver course-
tailored instruction to students which promises a better learning outcome than the traditional
mode. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made:

8
 i. There is need for the university management to acquire high speed internet connection
with maximum bandwidth in other to solve the problem of slow internet connectivity.
ii. There is a need for extensive training programmes organised at regular intervals so
that all categories of users can improve their efficiency in the use of the internet.

REFERENCES

Adegboji, O.B and Toyo. O.D (2006). The Impact of Internet on research: The experience of
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice, 8 (2), 1-18.

Al-Nuaimy, Zhang & Noble (2001). A survey of Internet access and usage among
undergraduates in an African university. The International Information and Library
Review, 38(4), 13-23.

Anyim, W, O. (2021a). Perception of Library Users on the Use of ICT Facilities in Abia State
Polytechnic Library, Nigeria. International Journal of Marketing & Human Resource
Research, 2(3), 167-177. http://journal.jis-
institute.org/index.php/ijmhrr/article/view/296

Anyim, W. O. (2021b). Relevance of Electronic Resources and Improvement of Access for

Effective Distance Learning and Continuing Education Programme. International
Journal of Asian Education, 2(1), 52-63.
https://ijae.journalasia.education/index.php/data/article/view/83

Anyim, W. O. (2021c). Sustainable Development Goal on Quality Education: A Review of

E-Learning Resources and Pedagogy in the University System. Library Philosophy
and Practice (e-journal). 5578. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/5578

Anyim, W. O. (2021d). Use Of Academic Social Networking Sites Among Lecturers in State
Universities. Journal of Media, Culture and Communication 1(1), 18-32
http://journal.hmjournals.com/index.php/JMCC.

Anyim, W. O. (2020a). Accessibility and Utilisation of Web Resources by Students in FCT

College of Education Zuba, Abuja. Electronic Research Journal of Engineering,
Computer and Applied Sciences, 2, 78-91. www.erjsciences.info

Anyim, W. O. (2020b). Students’ perception of electronic resources, usefulness and

enhancement strategies for effective distance learning programme, Electronic
Research Journal of Engineering, Computer and Applied Sciences, 2, 102-116.
www.erjsciences.info

Anyim, W. O. (2018a). Assessment of ICT Literacy Skills of Digital Library Users and Staff
in Salem University Lokoja, Kogi. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal).
1801. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1801

9
Anyim, W. O. (2018b) E-Library Resources and Services: Improvement and Innovation of
Access and Retrieval for Effective Research Activities in University E-libraries in
Kogi State Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 1647.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1647

Anyim, W. O. (2018c). Multimedia Instructional Resources for Effective Library User

Education Programme in Universities in North Central, Nigeria. Library Philosophy
and Practice (e-journal). 1821. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1821

Anyim, W. O. and Mole, A. J. C. (2021). Management Control System for Effective Job
Performance Among Librarians in Federal And State University Libraries : Evidence
From South East Nigeria. International Journal of Creative Business and
Management, 1 (1), 80-81.

Awoleye, O. M., Siyanbola W., Oladipo O.F. (2008). Adoption assessment of Internet usage
amongst undergraduates in Nigeria universities: A case study approach, Journal of
Technology Management and Innovations 3(1), 84-89.

Becker, H. J. (2000). Who’s wired and who’s not: Children’s access to and use of computer
technology. The Future of Children, 10(2), 44-75.

Bragdom, R. A. and Dowler, K. (2016). College Student Technology Use and Academic
Performance, International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, (6)1, 12-22.

Chifwepa V. (2003). The use of the Internet and Internet by teaching staff of the University
of Zambia. Afr. J. Archives Inf. Sci. 13(2), 119-132.

Cisse C. (2004). Access to electronic information and information research. SCALWA

Newsletter 5(1), 14-17.

Ilo, P. I. and Ifijeh, G. I. (2010). Impact of the Internet on Final Year Students' Research: A
Case Study of Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice
(e-journal). Paper 403. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/403

Jagboro, K.O, (2003). A Study of Internet Usage in Nigerian Universities: A Case Study of
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Retrieved September 1, 2021.

Kamba, M.A. (2008). The changing role of resources in Nigeria: The Internet as an
alternative future to modernity. Library Philosophy and Practice.

Karim, N. S. and Hassan, A. (2006). Reading Habits and Attitude in the Digital age: Analysis
of gender and academic program differences in Malaysia. The Electronic Library,
25(3), 288-297.

Kumar, R. and Kaur, A. (2006). Internet Use by Teachers and Students in Engineering
Universitys of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh States of India: An Analysis.
Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship.
10
Leuven, E., Lindahl, M., Oosterbeek, H., Webbink, D. (2004). The effect of extra funding for
disadvantaged pupils on achievement. IZA Discussion Paper, 1122.

Mulimani, M. N. and Gudimani, S. B. (2008). Usage of Internet by Students and Research

Scholars ofKarnatak University Library: A Survey. 6th International CALIBER-2008
held at University of Allahabad, Allahabad on February 28-29 & March1, 2008.

Nwokedi. V. C. (2007). Impact of Internet Use on Teaching and Research Activities of

the Academic Staff of Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos. A
case study of University of Jos. Gateway Library Journal, 10(1), 13-22

Ogedebe, P. M. (2012). Internet usage and students’ academic performance in Nigeria tertiary
Institution: A case study of University of Maiduguri. Academic research, 2(3)1-10
Retrieved October 11, 2020, from
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3da2/9722cc3801c94893470c4dbf831a6f652d1f.pdf

Oyedun. G. U (2007). Internet use in the Library of Federal University of

Technology, Minna: A case study. Gateway Library journal, 10(1), 23-32.

Rehman, S. and Ramzy, V. (2004). Awareness and use of electronic information resources at
the Health Science Centre of Kuwait University. Library Review, 53 (3), 150-156.

Siraj, H. H., Salam, A., Hasan, N. A., Jin, T. H., Roslan, R. B. and Othman, M. N. B. (2015).
Internet Usage and Academic Performance: A Study in a Malaysian Public
University. Japan Health Sciences University & Japan International Cultural
Exchange Foundation. International Medical Journal, 22(2), 83 – 86.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275833912.

Ugwulegbo. J. E. and Okoro, S. N. (2016). Impact of Internet Usage on the Academic

Performance of Undergraduates Students: A case study of the University of Abuja,
Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 7(10), 1-12.

Waldman, M. (2003) Freshman’s use of library electronic resources and self-efficacy.

Information research, 8 (2), 26-39.

11