Limitations in the Use of Information and Communication Technology for Promoting Democratic Ideals and Role of Adult Education

Abstract

Democratic ideals are often cited as a reason for patriotism. Every bite of the processes and actions require application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in one form or the other. The objectives of this paper are to examine the limitations in the application of ICT for promoting democratic ideals in Nigeria; and make recommendations for use of Adult Education to promote sustainable democratic ideals. 2,000 adults of ages 25 years and above, males and females, from five states of the federation responded to a self-structured, and validated questionnaire that contains 28 question items on the forms/types of ICT, uses and challenges. 12 teachers of Adult Education from four Nigeria universities responded to the same questionnaire. 13randomly selected political stalwarts were interviewed on the key democratic ideals; and the shortcomings in the commonly used modes of promoting the demographic ideals. They all made suggestions towards sustainable promotion of sustainable democratic ideals. Tables of percentile,Likert Scale and In-depth analysis were used for analysis and presentation of the data and information collected. The paper identified various types of contemporary ICT communications, devices and technologies that could be sustainably applied to promote democratic ideals. But, illiteracy, poverty, culture and traditions, energy and power, among others, were identified as major limitations. There were no differences in the findings between males and females. The paper canvassed for massive computer literacy education to the general public. It requests all levels of government to strive for adequate energy and power for every use in human settlement and for energizing the ICTsystems.