E-Governance and Administrative Efficiency in Rivers State University, 2007-2025.

Abstract

The advancement of information and communication technologies has significantly improved governance and service delivery within public institutions. E-governance as a result, emerged as a central mechanism for enhancing transparency, accountability, and administrative efficiency. In higher education sector, where administrative processes are complex and stakeholder expectations are increasingly demanding, the adoption of digital governance tools has become essential for improving institutional effectiveness, responsiveness, and service quality. This study examined the impact of e-governance initiatives on administrative efficiency at Rivers State University between 2007 and 2025. Anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Systems Theory, the research investigated the implementation, effectiveness, and challenges of e-governance systems within the university's administrative framework. Anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Systems Theory, the study assessed the level of implementation, effectiveness, and challenges associated with e-governance initiatives in the university’s administrative processes. A survey research design was adopted, and a sample size of 327 respondents was determined from a population of 1,800 academic and administrative staff using Taro Yamane’s formula. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select respondents from key administrative units. Data were collected using a structured four-point Likert-scale questionnaire, and responses were quantified using mean scores and the Relative Importance Index (RII). Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and RII) and inferential statistics, specifically the Chi-Square (χ²) test, with the aid of SPSS version 25 at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that e-record systems and e-procurement significantly enhanced administrative efficiency, while e-communication and e-participation tools were largely ineffective. Administrative processes such as course registration, fee payment, and records management showed substantial improvement, whereas student admissions processing remained relatively weak. Major challenges identified included poor internet connectivity, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and staff resistance to technological change. The findings reveal uneven digital transformation. Adoption did not significantly exceed the acceptable benchmark (x̄ = 3.054; p = .844), though transactional systems such as fee payment and student records were strongly implemented, while strategic tools including dashboards, transcript processing, and e-participation remained weak. Significant differences were found in system effectiveness (χ² = 174.293, p < .001), with e-records and e-procurement outperforming e-communication and e-participation. Administrative impact also varied significantly (χ² = 247.195, p < .001): registration, records management, and fee payment improved markedly, but admissions processing lagged. Implementation barriers were systemic (χ² = 189.464, p < .001), driven primarily by poor internet connectivity, staff resistance, and inadequate ICT infrastructure. The study recommends urgent upgrading of ICT infrastructure and improvement of internet connectivity, as well as continuous staff capacity building, to strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of e-governance implementation in the university.