DIGITAL IMPERATIVES AS CORRELATETO SAFEGUARDING SCHOLARLY COMMUNICATION, OPEN ACCESS, AND THE ONLINE ACADEMIC SPACE IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN ENUGU STATE

Abstract

This project paper examines the digital imperatives for safeguarding scholarly communication, promoting open access (OA), and securing the online academic environment within colleges of education in Enugu State, Nigeria. The paper combines a detailed literature review, a mixed-methods empirical methodology, A concurrent mixed-methods design was be used, combining correlational survey research design.The study was conducted in Enugu state, Nigeria. The population of this study comprised all the 5,949 in all six colleges of education in Enugu State (public and private). Key stakeholder groups within each college: faculty members, librarians, IT staff, administrators (deans, registrars), and postgraduate students.the (Ehamufu, ESCET, Peaceland, Nsukka, Ecumenical and ATCOI) Enugu State. To ensure a representative selection of teachers for the study, a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to reduce the population of 5,949 staff across 6 colleges of education. This approach allowed for a balanced distribution of respondents across the different colleges. Sample size n ≈ 503 respondents across institutions (power permitting) to enable descriptive statistics and subgroup analysis. Pilot the survey with a small group (n = 20) across two colleges to refine items for clarity and cultural appropriateness. Compute internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) for Likert-scale constructs during analysis; aim for α ≥ 0.70. Study were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The findings based on contextual evidence, and a comprehensive set of recommendations and an implementation roadmap. Key themes include institutional repository deployment, OA policy development, capacity building, cybersecurity measures, and formation of a state-level consortium to pool resources and expertise. The paper proposes a phased implementation plan, monitoring and evaluation framework, and sustainability strategies tailored to the resource and organizational realities of colleges of education in Enugu State.