Rural Community and Human Development through Sustainable Information Technology Education

In developing countries, Information Technology education is associated with high cost and is not typically available outside urban areas. Seeking IT education might not be on the priority list of countries battling numerous problems related to healthcare, housing, nutrition and other basic needs of life, but globally, IT education is an increasingly important aspect of human resource development, as well as economic development. This article presents a case where the provision of IT education differs from the conventional emphasis on urban dwellers. The authors discuss the case of Summit Computers in a rural community in Nigeria. The analysis of the case suggests that for developing countries to benefit from advances in IT, awareness among the real users, convenience, affordability and consideration of how IT training can meet local needs and employment are important factors. Entrepreneurship, participation and empowerment of local users are also discussed as important factors that enhance the sustainability of IT education in rural communities.