An application of the UTAUT model for understanding acceptance and use of ICT by Nigerian University Academicians

Abstract

The role of information and communication technology acceptance and usage in universities has been the focus of IS researches. Universities in Nigeria require adequate ICT facilities to augment face to face teaching. Acceptance has its models, and the most current is UTAUT. This study investigates the acceptance and usage of ICT by the University of Port Harcourt (Unipart) academic staff, using Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model and other TAM constructs. One hundred questionnaires were administered and collected. The data collected was runned by SPSS version 17. The UTAUT model theory was verified using regression analysis to understand the behavioral intention of the university academic staff towards acceptance and use of ICT in their workplace. The objectives are to examine the factors associated with ICT acceptance and usage and to measure the most influential factors. Five null hypotheses were stated. The result shows that the most influential UTAUT construct is Effort expectancy (EE), which is related to perceived ease of use (PEOU). The most influential construct outside UTAUT model is Attitudes towards use of technology (ATUT). The paper certifies that anxiety about ICT does have an impact on the academicians. The study confirms the validity of the UTAUT model in the field situation of a developing country’s educational system. The knowledge obtained from the research is beneficial to university administrators, university academicians and the Nigerian ICT policy makers.