A Comprehensive Analysis of Open Educational Resource Implementation in Nigerian Higher Education Libraries

The implementation of Open Educational Resources (OER) in Nigerian higher education faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of awareness, and technological barriers. These factors hinder the widespread adoption of OER, which has the potential to enhance both educational access and quality. Despite these challenges, the integration of OER could lead to improved teaching and learning outcomes, making it essential to explore the current state of OER adoption in Nigerian institutions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of awareness, integration, barriers, and impacts of OER in Nigerian higher education institutions, with an emphasis on identifying strategies to enhance its implementation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting data from 1,450 respondents, including librarians, educators, administrators, and students, through a structured questionnaire. The findings indicate that while OER has contributed to increased educational accessibility and pedagogical flexibility, significant barriers persist, such as limited awareness, inadequate funding, and technological limitations. Despite these challenges, the majority of respondents reported a positive impact on educational outcomes resulting from OER integration. In light of these findings, the study advocates for the development of clear OER policies, increased funding for OER initiatives, enhanced training for faculty and staff, encouragement of faculty participation in OER development, improved technological infrastructure, and strengthened collaboration among institutions. Therefore, addressing these challenges through targeted policies and strategies will enable Nigerian higher education institutions to fully leverage the advantages of OER, thereby enhancing both access to and the quality of education across the country.