Accessibility, Affordability and Use of the Internet Café by Students in Higher Institutions of Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study investigated the Internet cafe accessibility, affordability and use among students in higher institutions of learning in Bauchi state, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine, the level of Internet accessibility, affordability and utilization by students. Quantitative research methodology was adopted, the population of the study comprised of students of higher institutions of learning in Bauchi state. Random sampling technique was used to sample 750, students from six higher institutions of learning in Bauchi state. A self-developed questionnaire strongly validated was the only instrument used to collect relevant data for the study. Findings of the study indicated that majority of the respondents had access and used the Internet for academic and entertainment purposes from the institutional cafe. Internet accessibility, level of experience on Internet utilization was high. Limitations in the Internet access time, low bandwidth, inadequate access points and power outage were the major challenges faced by students under study. To enhance and optimize students’ Internet accessibility, affordability and utilization, provision of more Internet access points on campus, strong bandwidth and steady connectivity, and upward review of access time duration constitutes the major recommendations set out by the paper. Keywords: accessibility, affordability, Internet, Bauchi State, Nigeria