Abstract:

The current internet penetration in Nigeria has viewed as a welcome development. Nigerians, both the young and old are daily embracing internet connectivity. The benefits offered by internet penetration such as e-mail, browsing, telephony, chatting, research, e-registration, e-learning, e- passport etc., are really appreciable in the country. This is reflected in the rate at which students, universities, governmental institutions, banking organizations, insurance organizations, religious bodies etc, are penetrating the internet. This study was conducted to understand and assess the growth of information and communications technology in terms of internet penetration. Just recently, Nigeria launched its own satellite communications known as NIGCOMSAT 1. However, in this study, a total of 1252 participants took part in which 705(56.3%) were males while 547 (43.7%) were females, with a mean age of 31.43 yrs (SD=6.64). Questionnaire format was utilized for data gathering. Both the descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized for data analysis. The results showed that males reported more internet penetration than females{t(1250)= 4.24, P<.01}; Young individuals reported more internet utilization than old individuals{t(1250)=4.12, P<.01}; Single individuals reported more internet penetration than married/divorced/separated individuals {t(1250)=3.66, P<.01}; that individuals interested in chatting and e-mail facilities , web browsing/research/business/telephony reported more internet penetration than individuals who less involved interested{r(1250)=.23**, P<.01}}. The results finally revealed that individuals that believed in the efficacy of the newly launched NIGCOMSAT 1 in Nigeria reported more internet penetration than individuals who did not belief in the launch {t (1250) = 2.58, P<.01}.  The results were adequately discussed in relation to the existing bodies of literature. It was therefore emphasized that Nigerian Governments at all levels should encourage more individuals to be more information/communications sensitive and as such should embrace internet in all its ramifications.