Integrating ICT in Sports Education: The Role of Digital Libraries in Enhancing Research and Training in Federal University of Education Kano

Abstract

The study investigated the integrating of ICT into sports education: the role of digital libraries in enhancing research and training in Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education Kano. This study examined the availability, accessibility, and utilisation of ICT tools and digital library resources among lecturers and library staff in Nigerian Universities of Education. The study also explores the challenges faced in ICT adoption in supporting digital literacy and resource utilisation. The research employed a qualitative approach, using interviews as the primary data collection method. The study population consisted of 15 respondents (library staff and Physical and Health Education (PHE) lecturers). The data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that while digital library resources exist, they are limited, and awareness among PHE lecturers is low. Library staff demonstrated higher information literacy skills, whereas only 4 out of 9 PHE lecturers were ICT-literate. The major challenges include poor ICT infrastructure, unstable Internet connectivity, lack of training, and insufficient collaboration between the library and academic departments. Despite some library support in providing digital resources and training, these efforts remain insufficient due to funding and low faculty engagement. The study concluded that ICT integration in sports education remains underutilised due to infrastructure, awareness, and digital literacy gaps. To address these issues, it recommended improving ICT infrastructure, expanding digital library collections, strengthening awareness programs, enhancing faculty-library collaboration, and increasing funding for ICT adoption. These measures will ensure sustainable digital transformation in sports education in Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal Universities of Education Kano.