ELECTRONIC PAYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Payment system in most developing economies has predominantly been cash-based. In Nigeria, due 
to instances of inundated corrupt allegations and other unethical financial misappropriation in many 
organizations, electronic payment system was introduced, especially in schools. This study examined 
electronic payment and educational services in public tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. 
Three research questions which were raised in line with the specific objectives guided this paper. The 
theoretical underpinning was diffusion of innovation theory and the study design was descriptive 
survey. The study population was sixty-eight thousand, three hundred and fifty (68,350), while the 
sample size was three hundred and ninety-six (396) undergraduates of public tertiary institutions in 
the State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting respondents. Structured questionnaire 
served as instrument for data collection. Contents validation was carried out on the instrument and 
Cronbach Alpha method was used to ascertain its reliability. Data were analysed using descriptive 
statistics such as percentage, frequency distribution tables, and correlation. Findings revealed that 
students perceive online payment system in public tertiary institutions in Anambra State as somewhat 
efficient. Effects of online payment system in public tertiary institutions in the State ranges from 
enhancement of fast delivery of transactions, non-reflection and pending verifications of payments, 
slow and unnecessary delay in transactions, to incessant failure of transactions. It also indicated that 
challenges encountered by students in the use of online payment system are slowness and 
unavailability of network when needed, poor banks server connectivity which makes it difficult for 
quick verification of payments, lack of internet connection and lack of basic internet skills. This paper 
concludes that in spite of inherent challenges in the use of online payment system, it is still the most 
preferable and efficient means of transaction when compared with conventional cash payment among 
students, and has impacted on educational services significantly. It recommends amongst others that 
government should adequately invest and support I.T research tertiary institutions to enable them 
come up with best approaches to improve and enhance online system in the country. This is giving 
that there is ongoing call for local contents creation.