How Data and Automation Transformed Small Business Lending Amid COVID-19 (Published)
The global COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented economic disruptions, severely impacting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across developing economies. In Nigeria, small businesses, already grappling with limited access to credit, encountered additional constraints as traditional loan disbursement systems became overwhelmed by the volume and urgency of pandemic-related relief applications. Manual lending processes, characterized by bureaucratic delays and in-person verifications, proved ill-equipped to handle the crisis, prompting an accelerated shift toward data-driven digital solutions. In response, financial institutions—ranging from commercial banks to fintech startups—deployed automation technologies to streamline loan origination, eligibility assessments, fraud detection, compliance reporting, and customer engagement. These technologies not only enhanced the speed and accuracy of credit delivery but also contributed to greater transparency and accountability in the disbursement of public funds.This paper investigates the transformative role of automation in Nigeria’s small business lending landscape during COVID-19. Using a mixed-method research design, we surveyed 500 key stakeholders, including small business owners, financial service providers, fintech innovators, and regulatory officials. The findings reveal that automation significantly improved loan approval timelines, increased user satisfaction, and enhanced fraud prevention capabilities. Furthermore, the study underscores automation’s long-term potential in deepening financial inclusion, improving regulatory oversight, and driving operational efficiency within Nigeria’s financial sector. By offering empirical insights, this research contributes to the evolving discourse on digital transformation in emerging markets and provides a framework for future innovation in crisis-resilient financial systems.
Keywords: Automation, COVID-19, Digital Transformation, Financial Services, Nigeria, small business lending
Leveraging Cloud Computing for Collaborative Project Management in the Nigerian Construction Sector: Benefits, Challenges, and Prospect (Published)
This study explores the adoption of cloud-based collaborative project management systems in Nigeria’s construction industry. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, the research focuses on the barriers, benefits, and strategies for effective implementation. Despite the recognized advantages of cloud computing, such as improved collaboration, cost efficiency, and enhanced project delivery, challenges such as poor infrastructure, cybersecurity concerns, and limited digital skills hinder widespread adoption. The research highlights the positive impact of cloud technologies on large firms in urban areas while emphasizing the need for broader infrastructural investments and capacity building across the industry. Suggestions include enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting training programs, developing a regulatory framework tailored specifically for cloud computing within the construction sector, and fostering public-private partnerships. The study also suggests future research directions, including exploring the role of SMEs, assessing the integration of emerging technologies, and evaluating the long-term effects of cloud adoption. By addressing these challenges and opportunities, cloud computing has the potential to transform Nigeria’s construction sector.
Keywords: Cloud Computing, Construction industry, Digital Transformation, Nigeria, Project Management
Examining the Factors Affecting the Adoption of Online Survey Tools amongst Researchers in Nigeria (Published)
Online surveys have become the prominent method of eliciting information in academic research. However, irrespective of its ease of use, quick response rate, and low cost rate, many researchers especially in the developing world are not fully embracing the use of this valuable research tool. Literature reviewed extensively the various types, significance and response rate of online survey, none actually focused on researchers in Nigeria and factors limiting their adoption of online survey. This work seeks to examine the factors inhibiting the adoption of online survey tools by researchers in Nigeria, and to proffer solutions towards the enhancement of usage of this valuable tool in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Survey research design was used for the study. Survey questionnaire was designed and distributed to academic researchers in higher institutions in Nigeria. The study found that inadequate technical skills, Poor access to the internet and other cutting edge facilities occasioned by poor funding and low response rate characterized of online survey in Nigeria are strong limiting factors to the growing use of online research tools in Nigeria. Efforts need to be channeled appropriately towards advocacy programmes and training of researchers in Nigeria on the various research tools. To improve the response rate of online surveys, the sensitization programmes on online survey need to include the benefits derived from surveys by both the researcher and the respondents.
Citation: Okoroma Francisca Nwakaego (2021) Examining the Factors Affecting the Adoption of Online Survey Tools amongst Researchers in Nigeria, European Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, Vol.9, No.3, pp.19-28
Keywords: Nigeria, adoption rate, online survey, research tool, researchers
Factors Challenging the Adoption of Cloud Computing Application in E-Learning among Polytechnics in Northeastern Nigeria (Published)
The trend of teaching and learning actives is moving fast towards cloud computing application as the universe becoming global village. The aim of this research is to determine factors that are responsible for the challenges of adopting cloud computing application in e-learning system among Polytechnics in the North East, Nigeria. Sampling techniques was used in to gathering data and average coded total was used in data analysis. The findings of the research revealed that cloud computing application is associated with following challenges: delay/denial of service, compatibility issue, ICT infrastructure, lack of trained personnel; breach of trust, poor policy, managerial issue, confidentiality, integrity, inadequate user access and technological bottlenecks. Also, the research shown that academic and IT staff are familiar with cloud computing application. The study recommended among other things using compile application (user will not have access to the address link) for effective security.
Keywords: Adoption, Application, Cloud Computing, E-learning, Nigeria, challenging, polytechnics northeastern
Mineral Resources Management Information System (Published)
Proper utilization of mineral resources are essential for the economy of a nation to prosper. However, a promising economy like that of Nigeria with all its potentials has continued to struggle due to mismanagement and overdependence on crude oil and perennial neglect of other mineral resources. Regrettably, it seems that some Nigerian citizens are oblivious of the wealth of their nation, in terms of mineral resources coupled with the fact that Nigeria does not have a known viable and comprehensive database for existing mineral resources, which has led to poor foreign and private investment in this sector. The aim of this research is centred on providing awareness, as well as an avenue for efficient management of mineral resources. In view of the foregoing, the guiding principles of the Rational Unified Process software methodology was adopted whereas implemented was achieved with the use of tools like Bootstrap, PHP, MySQL and HTML. Consequently, the system upon completion, created a first-step solution to the problem of mismanagement, by providing a relatively comprehensive database and an avenue for the management of these resources.
Keywords: Management Information System, Mines, Nigeria, Solid Minerals, resources