Digital divide in Nigeria: The role of regional differentials

Is there a relationship between internet access and COVID-19 mortality? Evidence from Nigeria based on a spatial analysis

With over 6.5 million deaths due to COVID-19, it has become an issue of global health concern. Early findings have identified several social determinants of deaths from COVID-19. However, very few studies have been done on the relationship between internet access and COVID-19 mortality in the context of developing countries. Using geospatial methods, this study examines the relationship between internet access and COVID-19 mortality disparity in Nigeria. In contrast to the widely reported relationship in the literature that internet access lowers the risk of COVID-19 mortality, the current study finds that geographical locations with the highest internet access are the hotspots of COVID-19 mortality in Nigeria, especially some parts of southwest Nigeria. In addition, findings show that population density and unemployment are risk factors of COVID-19 mortality. The study recommends educating the population on the use of online health information and the need to adhere strictly to non-pharmaceutical and vaccination interventions to reduce the number of deaths caused by the virus.

Left behind? The effects of digital gaps on e-learning in rural secondary schools and remote communities across Nigeria during the COVID19 pandemic

The COVID19 pandemic has contributed to a digital economy by emphasising the importance of digital infrastructure while exposing the digital gaps between countries and communities. For example, during the period of COVID19, schools were closed with no option of online learning due to a deficit of infrastructure around educational technologies. Inequalities in digital access have impeded educational gains made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Though significant studies have been carried out on digital learning, there is currently a dearth of knowledge on students' digital gaps and needs in remote communities in Nigeria. To this end, this research study explored the digital gaps and needs of rural secondary schools in remote communities and its implications on e-learning across 6 Nigerian states, namely Kwara, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Adamawa, and Kano during the COVID19 era. The study adopted a concurrent embedded mixed method design approach to collect data from rural secondary schools from 6 Nigerian states. Findings from the study identified a lack of ICT strategies and policies in Nigeria, socioeconomic status, poor internet connectivity, electricity, and a high poverty level as the primary drivers of digital gaps in remote communities. Therefore, addressing the digital gaps among students in remote parts of Nigeria will be crucial to achieving the targets of SDGs, particularly SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.