FIBRE-X DEPLOYMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON E-LEARNING AND TELEWORKING IN RURAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the link between the provision of Fibre-X broadband and the use of e-learning and the productivity from teleworking amongst a cohort of faculty and students at four rural Nigerian universities in South East Nigeria. Using quantitative methods of a pre-post longitudinal quasi-experimental study design with matched participants (n=342) surveyed at two points in time (at baseline and 12 weeks post network provisioning), there were statistically significant improvements in both e-learning use (M=2.14 ± 31, p<0.001, d=2.08) and teleworking productivity (WPAI-adjusted score=41.26 ± 7.5, p<0.001). Fibre-X supplied a download speed of 48.3 mbps and 98.1% uptime using a single-mode fiber, XGS-PON architecture, up from 1.8 mbps and 61.2% uptime at pre-provisioning baseline. Hierarchical multiple-regression (including controls for demographics and device ownership; checked for multicollinearity with all VIF < 2.1; Harman single-factor bias test also passed) suggested bandwidth adequacy (=0.51, p<0.001) and network uptime (=0.38, p<0.001) were the best network predictors of engagement (controlling for age, digital skills, role and device possession). Analysis of differences in differences with two non-Fibre-X universities supported this finding (DiD=2.08 Likert scale points, p<0.001). In comparison to ten other related empirical studies from Africa, Asia and South America, there were no clear findings of policy or methodology difference which may have accounted for variation in results, with the study providing the strongest link between infrastructure and usage. Gaps, particularly with electricity (61.4% of the time there was a power cut in the previous 24 hours) and devices (38.6% of students reported that they did not own a device) will need addressing if all areas of the transformation agenda are to be met.