Toward Inclusive Digital Education in Abuja, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study of Adoption Barriers and System-Level Reforms in K–12 Schools
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65820/ejes-6vol2-issue2-2026Keywords:
Digital learning, E-learning, K–12 education, Teacher Training, Student EngagementAbstract
Purpose: Despite significant global advancements in EdTech that have revolutionised teaching and learning approaches, the adoption of these innovations among schools in Nigeria, particularly Abuja, remains constrained. Factors such as poor digital infrastructure, high data cost, unreliable electricity supply, digital incompetence, socio-economic disparities, and inconsistent school policies towards e-learning integration have collectively hindered progress. This study examines the use of digital learning tools in K–12 schools in Abuja, highlighting the need for digitised teaching to remain globally competitive.
Methods: This research adopted a qualitative research design based on open-ended methods to determine the impact of digital learning tools on K-12 learning in Abuja. N=20 of the purposively chosen teachers, administrators, and education officers will be interviewed in 30-45 minutes on Zoom or face-to-face. Thematic analysis using the Braun and Clarke (2006) model was carried out on the data generated.
Results: This paper established that to promote the digitisation of education in Abuja, systemic change is required. This will bridge the gap between K-12 learners in the state and address the limitations within the state.
Novelty and Contribution: Improving K-12 learning in Abuja will foster a more adaptable and future-oriented educational system in Nigeria.
Social and Practical Implications: Pragmatically, digital integration will enhance teaching and learning, digital literacy, and curriculum delivery in these schools. Socially, adopting digital tools for teaching and learning will promote inclusive education such that all children, regardless of socio-economic status, will have access to quality education, in fulfillment of SDG 4.
References
Abdulmajeed, K., Joyner, D., & McManus, C. (2020). Challenges of Online Learning in Nigeria. 20, 417-420. https://doi.org/10.1145/3386527.3405953
Agarry, R., Babalola, M., & Jacob, P. (2024). Teachers’ Perception of Digital Literacy Skills as a Tool for 21st Century Teaching in Nigeria. University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal, 19(1), 57-69. https://doi.org/10.4314/udslj.v19i1.5
Aina, J. (2017). The lack of good governance in Nigeria and its impact on functional science education. International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 6, 1036-1047.
_functional_science_education
Akpan, A., Atabang, A., & Udofia, S. (2025). Online Learning Platforms and Bridging of Digital Knowledge Gap among Postgraduate Students in Akwa Ibom State. International Journal Of Education Framework (Ijefa), 5(1), 43-56. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394362897_Online_Learning_Platforms_and_Bridging_of_Digital_Knowled ge_Gap_among_Postgraduate_Students_in_Akwa_Ibom_State
Al-Takhayneh, S.K., Karaki, W., Hasan, R.A., Chang, B.L., Shaikh, J.M., & Kanwal, W. (2022). Teachers' psychological resistance to digital innovation in jordanian entrepreneurship and business schools: Moderation of teachers' psychology and attitude toward educational technologies. Front Psychology, 13(1), 1-15.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1004078
Aung, T., & Khaing, S. (2016). Challenges of Implementing e-Learning in Developing Countries: A Review. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 388, 405-411. 10.1007/978-3-319 23207-2_41
Bello, O., & Ajao, A. (2024). Digital Literacy and Skills Development in Nigeria: Policies, Barriers and Recommendations. Journal of African Innovation & Advanced Studies (JAIAS), 5(2), 133-150.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383860373_Digital_Literacy_and_Skills_Development_in_Nigeria_Policies_ Barriers_and_Recommendations
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–
101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). To saturate or not to saturate? Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 13(2), 201–216. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2020.1770931
Chama, A., & Subaveerapandiyan, A. (2023). Digital Literacy Skills of Teachers: A Study on ICT Use and Purposes. Qeios, 28, 1-28. https://doi.org/10.32388/7VMIK7
Chinedu, O. (2022). Digitalization Driven Public Service And Service Delivery: The Nigeria's Experience. Journal of Public Administration, Finance and Law, 10(22), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.47743/jopafl-2021-22-05
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE.
Efenedo, G., & Edegbo, W. (2023). Internet connectivity and power outages in university electronic libraries in Nigeria. Journal of ICT Development, Applications and Research, 5(2), 83-89. https://doi.org/10.47524/jictdar.v5i2.84
Eze, J., & Nwande, M. (2022). Abuja, the federal capital of Nigeria: reflections on city making and urban displacement policy. Journal of Advance Multidiscplinary Research, 1(2), 17-23. https://www.synstojournals.com/multi
Farooq, M., & Nauman, S. (2023). Teachers’ Perceptions and Experiences of using Digital Technology in Undergraduate Classrooms in Pakistan. Journal of Social Sciences and Media Studies, 7(1), 54-62.
https://doi.org/10.58921/jossams.07.01.0252
Fernando, J.G., & Jain, S.K. (2022). Digital Illiteracy of Teachers and its Impact in Online Learning. Technoarete Transactions on Application of Information and Communication (ICT) in Education, 1(3), 1-6.
Gyuse, G., Godwin, S., & Liam, O. (2024). Dwindling Quality Of Education In Nigeria: A Cause For Concern. Al Hikmah Journal of Education, 11(1), 94 - 105.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384844052_DWINDLING_QUALITY_OF_EDUCATION_IN_NIGERIA_A_CAU SE_FOR_CONCERN
Hazzan, M.K. (2024). Managing Nigerian Education System: A Blueprint for Economic Diversification and Emancipation. MDPI, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.0802.v1
Ikwuka, O., Eleje, L., Iheanacho, E., & Onyebuchi, A. (2024). Teacher’s Attitude towards the Use of Digital Technologies for Capturing Students’ Data in Secondary Schools in Imo State, Nigeria. Futurity of Social Sciences, 2(4), 39-59. https://doi.org/10.57125/FS.2024.12.20.03
Imhanyehor, G. (2021). Digital Literacy And Primary Educational System In Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration, Finance and Law, 10(20), 206-221. https://doi.org/10.47743/jopafl-2021-20-13
Jibrin, M., Oyinvwi, U.V., & Ibrahim, A. (2024). Innovative Educational Technologies For Africa: Bridging The Digital Divide. International Journal of Educational Research and Library Science, 6(8), 97-108. https://doi.org/10.70382/tijerls.v06i8.008
Kotoua, S., Ilkan, M., & Kilic, H. (2015). The Growing of Online Education in Sub Saharan Africa: Case Study Ghana. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 191 (1), 2406-2411. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.670
Legg-Jack, D. (2021). Digitalisation Of Teaching And Learning In Nigeria Amid Covid-19 Pandemic: Challenges And Lessons For Education 4.0 AND 4IR. Il Ponte, 77(10), 156-178. https://doi.org/10.21506/j.ponte.2021.10.10
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE.
Maune, A. (2023). Adoption and use of eLearning platforms by universities in developing countries: Evidence from Zimbabwe. Cogent Education, 10(2), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2287905
Mbaleki, C. I., Elegbeleye, F., Esan, O., Rabotapi, T. (2023). Power supply rationing in an era of e-learning: evidence from the rural university. EUREKA Social and Humanities, 6(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.21303/2504-5571.2023.003184.
Mukabagorora, T., Habarurema, G., & Mukiza, J. (2022). Challenges Faced by the Implementation of E-learning Educational Approach during the Covid-19 Pandemic Disease. Journal of Education Technology, 6(2), 308-314. https://doi.org/10.23887/jet.v6i2.45534
Mutale, J. (2025). Post-COVID-19 Review: Challenges and Determinants of E-Learning Adoption with a Focus on Heritage-Based Curriculum in Victoria Falls Cluster, Hwange District Secondary Schools, Zimbabwe. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, IX, 58-78. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.903SEDU0011
Noble, K. G., Houston, S. M., Brito, N. H., Bartsch, H., Kan, E., Kuperman, J. M., & Sowell, E. R. (2015). Family income, parental education and brain structure in children and adolescents. Nature Neuroscience, 18(5), 773–778. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3983
Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
Oats, R., Kapeko, R., & Kelebeng, K. (2019). Understanding Mobile Learning In Sub-Saharan Africa: Applying And Extending The Technology Acceptance Model. Mosenodi: Journal of the Botswana Educational Research Association, 22(1), 1-19. https://journals.ub.bw/index.php/mosenodi/article/view/1598?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Okeke, C.C. (2023, March 23). Poor power, unskilled teachers, cost of gadgets affecting digital education in Nigeria. DailyTrust. https://dailytrust.com/poor-power-unskilled-teachers-cost-of-gadgets-affecting-digital-education-in-nigeria/
Olorundare,. J., Olowe, A., & Olorundare, A. (2022). Digital transformation in Nigeria: The prospects and challenges of the gig economy. IEEE Nigercon, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1109/NIGERCON54645.2022.9803148
Olusola, E., Fadipe, B. M., Obabori, H., Taofeeq, B., Ezekwudo, C., & Samiala, B. (2024). Impact Of Inadequate Infrastructure On The Effective Teaching And Learning Of Physics In Senior Secondary Schools In Bwari Area Council Of Abuja, Implications For Development In Engineering. International Journal of Humanities & social Science studies (IJHSSS), 4(4), 1281-1288.
ching_And_Learning_Of_Physics_In_Senior_Secondary_Schools_In_Bwari_Area_Council_Of_Abuja_Implications_For_ Development_In_Engineering
Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y
Patel, N., Kadyamatimba, A., & Madzvamuse, S. (2018). E-Learning Adoption in Rural-Based Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. Open Innovations, 320-324. https://doi.org/10.1109/OI.2018.8535601
Rafiq, S., Iqbal, S., & Afzal, D. (2024). The Impact of Digital Tools and Online Learning Platforms on Higher Education Learning Outcomes. Al-Mahdi Research Journal, 5(4), 359-369.
_on_Higher_Education_Learning_Outcomes
Sarpong, R. (2023). Digitalisation of Education in Ghana: An Overview. Teacher Education Journal of Bangladesh, 2(1), 97-106.
(TEJB)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377255805_Digitalisation_of_Education_in_Ghana_An_Overview/cit ation/download?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7InBhZ2UiOiJwdWJsaWNhdGlvbiIsInByZXZpb3VzUGFnZSI6bnVsbH19
Trines, S. (2018). Educating the Masses: The Rise of Online Education in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. World Education News+ Review, 1-10.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327790405_Educating_the_Masses_The_Rise_of_Online_Education_in_Su b-Saharan_Africa_and_South_Asia
Vincent, O., Sam, Z., Rose, K., & University, A. (2024). E-learning Platforms and Access to Education: A Case Study of Makerere University. Metropolitan Journal of Science & Technology, 3(10), 724-738.
Vlasov, M. (2021). The higher education system as the driving force of the country’s sustainable development. E3S Web of Conferences, 258 (10006), 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202125810006
Yidana, P., Asapeo, A., Laar, S., & Chibelitu, L. (2023). Challenges Facing Online Teaching And Learning In African Higher Education Institutions: Empirical Review. European Journal of Open Education and E-learning Studies, 8(2), 133-158. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejoe.v8i2.4974
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Sunday Temitope Toba, Raphael Ngigi Wanjiku, Oluchi Jessica Nwosu (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.




