Research Article

Bridging the Digital Divide Using Cloud Computing: Strategies for Enhancing Digital Skills Development in Nigeria

Nseabasi P. Essien1*, Chibuike, Sarah Chinyere2, Chijioke, Nkechinyere Akoma2
1 Computer And Robotics Education Faculty Of Vocational Education, Library And Information Science
2 Department Of Computer Science Education Schools Of Science Education Abia State College Of Education (Technical) Arochukwu
* Corresponding author: nseabasipessien@ujcers.com
Published: Jun, 2026
DOI: 10.54129/ujcers.2026.jktdtyrn
Pages: 47-64
Views: 31
Downloads: 6

Abstract

This paper examines the potential of cloud computing as a strategic tool for bridging the multidimensional digital divide in Nigeria, which is characterized by significant gaps in access, skills, and trust. Despite the proliferation of digital technologies, pronounced disparities in ICT access and proficiency hinder inclusive socio-economic development and the adoption of essential public e-services. Cloud computing, with its scalable, on-demand service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), offers a transformative opportunity to democratize access to advanced computing resources and lower barriers to digital skill acquisition. The study argues that a deliberate, cloud-first approach can address Nigeria’s infrastructural, pedagogical, and socio-economic challenges. It proposes novel strategies such as cloud-based “Labs-in-a-Browser” for practical training, leveraging SaaS for foundational literacy and e-government adoption, micro-credentialing through cloud academies, AI-powered virtual mentors, and fostering Public-Private-Cloud Partnerships (PPCPs) for ecosystem development. A phased implementation framework is outlined, alongside policy recommendations focusing on data governance, subsidized access, and a national digital skills certification framework. However, the paper also critically engages with significant challenges, including persistent infrastructure deficits, data security and integrity concerns, socio-psychological barriers, and the risk of exacerbating a new “cloud divide.” Ethical considerations regarding equity, data sovereignty, and environmental sustainability are emphasized. By adopting a holistic strategy that integrates technological innovation with inclusive design and robust policy, Nigeria can harness cloud computing to build a sustainable digital skills ecosystem, empower its citizens, and foster inclusive growth in the digital age.

Keywords

digital skills cloud computing digital divide skill development

References

  1. Adaramola, A. (2022). Why 30m Nigerians Are Still Without Internet Access. Daily Trust.
  2. Adebukola, A. A., Navya, A. N., Jordan, F. J., Jenifer, N. J., & Begley, R. D. (2022). Cyber security as a threat to health care. Journal of Technology and Systems, *4*(1), 32-64.
  3. Adeleke, R. (2021). Digital divide in Nigeria: The role of regional differentials. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 13(3), 333–346.
  4. Adepetun, A. (2022). ‘81% of Nigerians lack meaningful internet connectivity’. The Guardian.
  5. Agbo, F. J., Oyelere, S. S., & Awofala, A. A. (2025). Investigating the moderating effects of social and cultural engagements on the relationship between access to ICT and digital skills development in Nigeria. Behaviour & Information Technology. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0144929X.2025.2484390
  6. Amorighoye, T. A. (2020). The coronavirus has exposed the education divide in Nigeria. The World Economic Forum COVID Action Platform.
  7. An, J. (2025). From digital access to digital empowerment: a systematic review of digital skills in the context of digital divide. Behaviour & Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2025.2484390
  8. Belanger, F., & Carter, L. (2009). The impact of the digital divide on e-government use. Communications of the ACM, 52(4), 132–135.
  9. Dwivedi, Y. K., Pandey, N., Currie, W., & Micu, A. (2025). Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Future Skills Development: A Framework for Bridging the Digital Divide. Behaviour & Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2025.2484390
  10. Edet Ani, O., Uchendu, C., & Atseye, E. U. (2007). Bridging the digital divide in Nigeria: A study of internet use in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. Library Management, 28(6/7), 355-365.
  11. Goswami, P., Faujdar, N., Debnath, S., Khan, A. K., & Singh, G. (2024). Investigation on storage level data integrity strategies in cloud computing: classification, security obstructions, challenges and vulnerability. Journal of Cloud Computing, 13(45). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13677-024-00605-z
  12. Madan, D., & Sharma, V. (2024). Bridging the competency gap in the digital era: a review of AI-driven approaches for skills assessment and development. Artificial Intelligence Review, 57(9). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10462-024-10925-w
  13. Mba, C. (2022). 61% Unconnected Rural Dwellers & Other Key Figures Nigeria Must Rewrite Towards Becoming an All-Inclusive Digital Economy. Dataphyte.
  14. Miao, Y., Huang, Q., Xiao, M., & Li, H. (2020). Decentralized and privacy-preserving public auditing for cloud storage based on blockchain. IEEE Access, 8, 139813-139826.
  15. Misra, S., Aljaroodi, H. M., & Yang, M. (2024). Digital skills: A systematic review. Artificial Intelligence Review, 57(243). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10462-024-10925-w
  16. Mossberger, K., Tolbert, C. J., & Stansbury, M. (2003). Virtual inequality: Beyond the digital divide. Georgetown University Press.
  17. Obi, O. C., Dawodu, S. O., Daraojimba, A. I., Onwusinkwue, S., Akagha, O. V., & Ahmad, I. A. I. (2024). Review of evolving cloud computing paradigms: Security, efficiency, and innovations. Computer Science & IT Research Journal, 5(2), 270-292.
  18. Obiakor, T., & Adeniran, A. (2020). COVID-19: Risk-control measures threaten to deepen Nigeria's education crisis. Centre for the Study of Economics of Africa (CSEA).
  19. Paul, C., & Eghe, V. E. (2023). Digital Divide and Uptake of Public E-Service in Nigeria: A Narrative Review. Journal of Technology Innovations and Energy, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.56556/jite.v2i4.656
  20. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.
  21. Sharma, H., Kotecha, K., & Bhardwaj, A. (2024). A systematic literature review on cloud computing security: threats and mitigation strategies. Artificial Intelligence Review. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10462-024-10925-w
  22. Titilope, A. O. (2018). Digital Divide and its Socio-Psychological Implications on Rural Dwellers in Nigeria. International Journal of Innovation in the Digital Economy, 9(1), 26-34.
  23. Van Deursen, A., & Van Dijk, J. (2011). Internet skills and the digital divide. New Media & Society.
  24. Van Deursen, A., & van Dijk, J. (2011). Internet skills and the digital divide. New Media & Society, 13(6), 893–911.
  25. Van Deursen, A., & Van Dijk, J. (2011). Internet skills and the digital divide. New Media & Society, 13(6), 893-911.
  26. Wang, Y. (n.d.). Bridging the Digital Divide: The Collision and Integration of Media Intelligence and Age-friendliness in the Context of Aging. School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing Normal University.
How to Cite

Essien, N. P., Chinyere, C. S., & Akoma, C. N. (2026). Bridging the Digital Divide Using Cloud Computing: Strategies for Enhancing Digital Skills Development in Nigeria. Uniuyo Journal of Computer and Education Related Studies, 1(1), 47-64. https://doi.org/10.54129/ujcers.2026.jktdtyrn

N. P. Essien, C. S. Chinyere, and C. N. Akoma, "Bridging the Digital Divide Using Cloud Computing: Strategies for Enhancing Digital Skills Development in Nigeria," Uniuyo Journal of Computer and Education Related Studies, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 47-64, June 2026. doi: 10.54129/ujcers.2026.jktdtyrn

Share this article:
Facebook X / Twitter LinkedIn
Download PDF View Full Text (PDF) Back to Articles