Digitalisation of Public Services and Administrative Efficiency in Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Public institutions across Nigeria are moving routine administration onto digital platforms, yet evidence that this shift improves day-to-day efficiency in federal tertiary institutions remains thin. This study examined how the digitalisation of public services relates to administrative efficiency at Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom State. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population was 300, teaching and non-teaching staff drawn from faculty level, departments and other units. Of 280 questionnaires administered, 260 were returned and usable (92.9%). Four dimensions of digitalisation were studied: administrative platforms, digital records management, ICT infrastructure and staff ICT competence. Data were analysed with frequencies, means, standard deviations and the chi-square goodness-of-fit test at the 0.05 level. Respondents agreed that digital platforms and digital records make administration faster and more accountable and that trained, digitally skilled staff work with fewer errors. They were markedly less positive about the adequacy of computers, connectivity, power supply and training. All four null hypotheses were rejected. The paper argues that the efficiency gains from digitalisation depend as much on infrastructure and people as on software, and it recommends investment in reliable power and connectivity, regular training, and phased digitisation of records and workflows. The findings add evidence from a Nigerian federal polytechnic to the wider literature on digital-era public administration.