Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

The ICT Department, Clifford University, started in November 22, 2016 when the University was given a charter by the Nigerian Universities Commission to operate as one of the Private Universities in Nigeria. Since then, the department has continued in providing secured, reliable, and integrated technology solutions to the University Community, in alignment with academic and administrative goals, while delivering excellence in customer service.

Technology has penetrated nearly every aspect of our lives. Accordingly, Colleges and Universities have responded by designing academic programs intended to prepare students for a diverse array of technology-related careers such as Information System (IS), Information Technology (IT), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These terms have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably, they also comprise an integrated product that together impacts people, machines, and processes involved with the handling of data and processed information. For those who choose to pursue career paths in either of these areas or seek to advance in the IT environment, it is critical to understand both of these terms as a concept and a component of the information product.


What is Information Systems (IS)?

Information systems is an umbrella term for the systems, people and processes designed to create, store, manipulate, distribute and disseminate information. The field of information systems bridges business and computer science.

One of the reasons people may not distinguish between IS and IT is that they assume all information systems are computer-based systems. An information system, however, can be as simple as a pencil and a piece of paper. The objects are just tools, and when used together, they create a system for recording information.

Although information systems are heavily reliant on computers and other technology-based tools, the term precedes computers and can include non-technological systems. One example is management information systems, which use information such as a database to improve performance, create reports and make decisions.

Another example is decision support systems. These systems use databases and commercial decision support to prepare business packages such as forecasting, linear programming and decision trees.

Information Systems potential jobs include:

  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Systems Security Administrator
  • Business Analyst

What is Information Technology (IT)?

Information Technology (IT) falls under the Information System (IS) umbrella but deals with the technology involved in the systems themselves. Information Technology can be defined as the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by microelectronics based combination of computing and telecommunications. It is the branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve, store and transmit information.

IT typically includes hardware, software, databases and networks, and it focuses on managing technology and improving its utilization to advance the overall business goals.

Information Systems potential jobs include:

  • IT Director
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • IT Architect And Systems Manager
  • Computer Programmer
  • Software Developer

What is Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is similar to Information Technology (IT), but focuses primarily on communication technologies. ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. This includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums.

In the past few decades, information and communication technologies have provided society with a vast array of new communication capabilities. For example, people can communicate in real-time with others in different countries using technologies such as instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP), and video-conferencing. Social networking applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, twitter etc. allow users from all over the world to remain in contact and communicate on a regular basis. In other words, ICT has become a vital tool for any activity or business process for any organization.

Modern information and communication technologies have created a "global village," in which people can communicate with others across the world as if they were living next door. For this reason, ICT is often studied in the context of how modern communication technologies affect society.

In recent times, the Nigerian Government has given particular attention to the use of ICT to support socio-economic development and act as an engine for sustainable development. In line with attaining its goal and strategic objective of becoming one of the first twenty economies in the World, the Government has identified ICT as a major driving force towards engendering global competitiveness.