International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 5, No. 3 (2009)

The potential of using information and communication technology for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment in Osun State, Nigeria

Olaniyi Alaba Sofowora, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract
The study adopted descriptive survey design.The sample for the study consisted 1,496 unemployed youths selected through stratified sampling techniques base on senatorial districts, gender and status. The study identified the problems of unemployment,poverty and various efforts made by the government at stemming down the poverty level and high rates of unemployment among the youths in Osun State,Nigeria. Some of the efforts made were National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS) at the national level,State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS) at the state level. Other programme include the effort of the private telecommunications and banking industries that encouraged the use of mobile phones and ICT in establishing small scale business ventures. However out of all the efforts , ther impact of the private Telecomunication industries in the area of the use of mobile phones for small scale enterpreneurship affected the poorest families more than anyother.With respect to the use of ICT in employment generation, 29.01% rated it high, 18.98% high, 13% low and 5.01% very low. On the assessment of the impact of the different sector on youth empowerment and their hose hold,mobile phone made the highest impact (90.65%), followed byinternet (5.01%) and lastly those who established computer center for DTP (4.34%). The data collected showed that youths who were hitherto unemployed ater starting the Gsm business made an average profit of between 5oo -3,000 Naira daily. The result also showed that mobile divides and ICT have brought more development and economic benefits to the youths in the state than any other aspect of SEEDS. It has also helped to stem down drastically poverty, high rates of youth unemployment and youth unrest in the state.

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