Survey of ICT Infrastructure in Federal Government Colleges in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

This study surveys the state of ICT infrastructure in Federal Government Colleges in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Federal Government Colleges are expected to model quality education provision, including the availability and functionality of information and communication technology resources. However, documented disparities in infrastructure investment across regions suggest that North West schools may face systemic disadvantages. A descriptive survey design was employed, using an observation checklist and structured questionnaire administered to 80 teachers and 10 ICT coordinators from four Federal Government Colleges in Sokoto State. Infrastructure variables assessed include number of functional computers, internet bandwidth, interactive whiteboards, and backup power systems. Findings reveal significant deficits: an average of 23 functional computers per school against a student population averaging over 1,500, internet connectivity limited to administration offices, and zero interactive whiteboard provision. Only one of the four schools operates a functional computer laboratory dedicated to student use. The study concludes that ICT infrastructure in these institutions falls substantially below acceptable thresholds and recommends emergency capital investment by the Federal Ministry of Education, a mandatory ICT infrastructure audit of all Federal Government Colleges, and public-private partnerships to bridge the digital divide. Keywords: ICT infrastructure, Federal Government Colleges, Sokoto State, digital divide, educational technology