COMPETENCIES NEEDS FOR SOFTWARE UTILIZATION IN TEACHING PROCESS IN THE NIGERIA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IN SOUTH SOUTH NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the competency needs for effective software utilization in the teaching process within Nigerian universities in the South-South region. As technology continues to transform educational delivery, understanding the specific skills required by educators is crucial to enhancing teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes. The research adopts a descriptive survey design, targeting university lecturers across various disciplines. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires focusing on current software usage, perceived competency gaps, and training needs. Findings reveal that while many educators are familiar with basic productivity tools, there exists a significant gap in advanced software skills such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), multimedia content creation, and data analysis software. The study underscores the necessity for targeted professional development programs to bridge these gaps, thereby promoting innovative and interactive teaching methodologies. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers, university administrators, and educators aiming to leverage technology for improved educational quality in the Nigerian South-South university system. Recommendations include integrating comprehensive software training into faculty development initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous technological competence enhancement.