Information and communication technology (ICT): A tool for the effective management of students’ academic records in Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

The study investigated information and communication technology as a tool in the effective management of students’ academic records using Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri as a focal point. The objectives of the study are to identify the types of students’ academic records generated/received in Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri; to investigate the role of ICT in students` academic records management, to find out the types of ICT tools used in the management of students’ academic records in Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri. The population of the study comprised 45 respondents made up of both junior and senior staff of the departments in charge of students’ academic records. The study adopted survey research design and the questionnaire entitled “Adoption of ICT as a tool for Effective Management of Students’ Academic Record (AICTEMSAR)” was used in data collection while data analysis was done using mean, tables and percentages. The study revealed the types of students’ academic records mostly generated and received by the school which include students’ results from various departments, statement of results, copies of original certificates etc. ICT tools like computers, internet, e-mails, etc. are used in the school. Challenges revealed include lack of maintenance culture, lack of funds, lack of IT skills etc. The study recommends among others that school management should ensure adequate maintenance of IT tools for quality services delivery, provide funds for the purchase and installation of current internet facilities, provision of guidelines that will spell out the types of students’ academic records to be generated in every department and management should enhance the use of ICT facilities in managing students' academic records by training staff at workshops on computer operations.