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DIGITAL DIVIDE AND ACCESS TO ONLINE NEWS: A SURVEY OF HOUSEHOLDS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF OYO STATE

Abstract

The digital divide persists as a significant impediment to equitable information dissemination in developing regions, particularly in rural Nigeria, where infrastructural deficiencies and socioeconomic disparities substantially limit engagement with online news platforms. This study investigates the digital divide and its impact on online news access among households in rural communities of Oyo State, Nigeria. Drawing on contemporary research, it highlights gaps in internet penetration, digital literacy, and device affordability that sustain exclusion from digital media ecosystems. The study employs a quantitative survey methodology, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to a stratified random sample of 400 households across four rural local government areas in Oyo State: Ibadan North-East, Iseyin, Ogbomoso South, and Saki West. Data collection occurred between October 2025 and January 2026, with analysis conducted using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests in SPSS to assess relationships among variables such as household income, educational attainment, and online news access. Initial findings reveal that only 25% of respondents report consistent internet access, with challenges including unreliable connectivity and high data costs hindering online news consumption. The study recommends targeted policy interventions to address these disparities, contributing to broader discussions on digital inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa.

1.1 Background of the Study
The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally reshaped the global landscape of information dissemination, establishing online news platforms as indispensable conduits for real-time updates, diverse viewpoints, and enhanced civic participation. In an era dominated by digital media, access to these resources empowers individuals with knowledge on global events, local governance, health advisories, and economic opportunities, fostering informed decision-making and societal progress (Vitalis et al., 2025). However, this digital transformation has not been uniform, exacerbating preexisting inequalities and giving rise to what scholars term the “digital divide,” a multifaceted gap that separates those who can harness information and communication technologies (ICTs) from those who cannot, often due to barriers in access, skills, and infrastructure (Hassan, 2025). This divide is particularly acute in developing nations like Nigeria, where rapid urbanization contrasts sharply with persistent rural marginalization, leading to uneven digital adoption and its attendant benefits (Aderinto et al., 2026).

Globally, the digital divide manifests in various forms, including disparities in broadband availability, device ownership, and digital literacy, which collectively hinder equitable participation in the information society. Recent analyses indicate that this phenomenon not only limits economic mobility but also perpetuates social exclusion, as marginalized groups miss out on essential services delivered through digital channels (Oni et al., 2025). In sub-Saharan Africa, where internet penetration averages around 40%, rural areas bear the brunt of these inequalities, with factors such as inadequate electricity supply, high connectivity costs, and limited ICT infrastructure amplifying the gap (Okocha & Dogo, 2023). Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, exemplifies this challenge: while the country boasts over 100 million internet users, predominantly in urban centers, rural regions lag significantly, restricting access to online news and other digital content that could drive development (Adepetun, 2025).

In Nigeria, the urban-rural dichotomy in digital access is stark. Urban areas like Lagos and Abuja enjoy relatively robust infrastructure, with internet usage rates exceeding 60%, enabling seamless engagement with online news platforms for education, entertainment, and political discourse (NigeriaWorld, 2025). Conversely, rural communities, which house approximately 50% of the population, face systemic barriers: poor network coverage, unreliable power supply, and prohibitive data costs that render digital participation a luxury rather than a norm (The Economic Times, 2025). Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) underscores this disparity, revealing that only 23% of rural communities have internet access, compared to 57% in urban areas, a gap that has widened post-COVID-19 due to increased reliance on digital tools (Adepetun, 2025). This exclusion has profound implications for information equity, as rural dwellers are often relegated to traditional media like radio, which offer limited scope and interactivity compared to online news sources (Vitalis et al., 2025).

Oyo State, situated in southwestern Nigeria with a population exceeding 9 million and about 68% residing in rural areas, serves as a microcosm of these national trends. While urban hubs such as Ibadan demonstrate higher internet utilization rates, driven by commercial activities and educational institutions, rural districts in areas like Iseyin, Ogbomoso, and Saki grapple with infrastructural deficits (Adeleke, 2020). Studies indicate clear regional differentials, with southwestern states like Oyo showing clusters of high internet usage in urban zones but pronounced lows in rural peripheries, attributed to factors like low income levels and inadequate broadband deployment (Adeleke, 2020). In these rural Oyo communities, households often lack affordable devices such as smartphones or computers, compounded by erratic electricity that discourages sustained online engagement (Olanrewaju et al., 2021). Consequently, access to online news encompassing platforms like news websites, social media feeds, and apps remains sporadic, limiting exposure to critical information on agriculture, health crises, and government policies that are vital for rural livelihoods.

The COVID-19 pandemic further illuminated and intensified these disparities in Oyo State and beyond. During lockdowns, urban residents pivoted to online news for updates on health protocols and economic relief, while rural households in states including Oyo experienced heightened isolation due to digital gaps that impeded e-learning, telemedicine, and information access (Olanrewaju et al., 2021). Research from this period highlights how the absence of reliable internet in remote Oyo communities exacerbated educational inequalities, with secondary schools in rural areas reporting minimal e-learning adoption amid poor connectivity (Hassan, 2025). Moreover, the media dimension of the digital divide has reshaped news consumption patterns: rural Nigerians, deprived of broadband, often rely on intermittent mobile data for social media glimpses of news, but high costs—Nigeria ranks among Africa’s priciest for data—curtail even this limited access (Daidac, 2025).

Beyond immediate barriers, socioeconomic factors deepen the divide in rural Oyo. Low literacy rates, gender disparities, and poverty intersect with technological exclusion, where women and elderly residents are disproportionately affected, further limiting household-level online news engagement (Aderinto et al., 2026). Comparative studies reveal that Nigeria’s rural challenges surpass those in peer nations, with infrastructure vandalism and regulatory hurdles compounding the issue (Okocha & Dogo, 2023). For instance, while urban Oyo benefits from initiatives like the NCC’s broadband expansion, rural areas see delayed implementation, resulting in only 25% of data usage originating from non-urban zones (NigeriaWorld, 2025). This not only stifles economic potential such as agri-tech news for farmers but also undermines social cohesion, as misinformation spreads unchecked in digitally isolated communities (Daidac, 2025).

Scholars advocate for targeted interventions to bridge this divide, emphasizing policy reforms that prioritize rural infrastructure, subsidized data plans, and digital literacy programs (Oni et al., 2025). In Oyo State, emerging efforts like state-level digital readiness indices aim to foster competition and accountability, yet persistent gaps highlight the need for household-focused surveys to inform actionable strategies (Adepetun, 2025). This study, therefore, delves into the experiences of rural households in Oyo, examining how the digital divide curtails online news access and proposing pathways for inclusive development. By integrating empirical data with contemporary insights, it contributes to broader discourses on achieving digital equity in Nigeria’s rural heartlands, ultimately supporting sustainable growth in an increasingly connected world.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, rural communities in Oyo State continue to face significant disparities in accessing online news. While national broadband penetration stands at 48.81%, rural areas in Oyo State exhibit substantially lower rates, contributing to informational inequalities (Adepetun, 2025). Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, poverty, and low digital literacy sustain this gap, resulting in limited exposure to diverse news sources and reduced civic awareness (Hassan, 2025).

In rural Oyo households, the lack of smartphones or reliable internet connectivity often forces reliance on sporadic and expensive mobile data (Oni et al., 2025). This exclusion not only hinders individual progress but also exacerbates socioeconomic disparities, as online news provides essential insights on agriculture, health, and governance unavailable through local channels (Aderinto et al., 2026). Existing research highlights regional disparities, with urban areas in Oyo showing higher adoption rates while rural areas remain overlooked, though few studies specifically address online news consumption at the household level (Adeleke, 2020). Without intervention, this digital exclusion risks perpetuating poverty and social isolation in these communities, undermining national development goals (Vitalis et al., 2025).

1.3 Objectives of the Study
The study aims to:

1. Examine the extent of the digital divide among rural households in Oyo State.
2. Assess levels of access to online news platforms.
3. Identify factors influencing online news consumption.

1.4 Research Questions
The study addresses the following questions:

1. What is the extent of the digital divide among rural households in Oyo State?
2. What are the levels of access to online news platforms?
3. What factors influence online news consumption?

1.5 Significance of the Study
This research enhances understanding of digital inequalities in rural Nigeria, providing empirical evidence for policymakers to design inclusive interventions. Focusing on Oyo State offers localized insights relevant to national broadband expansion initiatives under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Academically, it contributes to media access literature by addressing gaps in online news consumption analysis. For rural communities, findings may advocate for affordable connectivity solutions, promoting informational equity and supporting sustainable development objectives. Additionally, by identifying obstacles such as infrastructure deficits and literacy gaps, the study informs interventions that could improve economic participation and social cohesion in underserved regions.

1.6 Scope of the Study
The study is restricted to rural households in Oyo State, Nigeria, focusing on selected local government areas. It examines digital divide indicators including internet access, device ownership, and engagement with online news, excluding urban comparisons or non-news digital applications. The temporal scope covers current conditions (2025-2026), utilizing household-level data to ensure relevance to contemporary challenges.

1.7 Limitations of the Study
Potential limitations include response bias in self-reported data and logistical difficulties in accessing remote areas. Although the sample is representative, it may not fully capture ethnic diversity within Oyo State. External factors such as network instability during fieldwork could affect accuracy, as observed in similar rural studies.

1.8 Definition of Terms

• Digital Divide: The disparity in access to, utilization of, or benefits derived from information and communication technologies among individuals or groups.
• Online News: Digital material conveying current affairs, accessible through websites, applications, or social media networks.
• Rural Communities: Territories beyond urban nuclei, marked by agrarian economies and constrained infrastructure in Oyo State.

References

Aderinto, A., Joseph, S., Victor, C., Ukpoju, O., & Omata, J. (2026). Digital inequality and the new development divide in Africa: A review of Nigerian experience from access to advantage. GPH-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 9(1), 169-187. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18523651

Adeleke, R. (2020). Digital divide in Nigeria: The role of regional differentials. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 13(3), 333-346. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2020.1748335

Adepetun, A. (2025, October 29). Worries over states’ digital readiness as rural-urban divide widens. The Guardian Nigeria. https://guardian.ng/technology/worries-over-states-digital-readiness-as-rural-urban-divide-widens

Daidac. (2025, July 23). The digital divide in Africa and MIL campaigns against information disorder: A case for Nigeria. https://daidac.thecjid.org/the-digital-divide-in-africa-and-mil-campaigns-against-information-disorder-a-case-for-nigeria

Hassan, S. A. (2025). Impact of the digital divide on internet access and computer usage amongst college of education students in South-Western Nigeria. FINGER: Jurnal Ilmiah Teknologi Pendidikan, 4(1), 26–33. https://doi.org/10.58723/finger.v4i1.366

NigeriaWorld. (2025, October 8). Nigeria’s digital divide leaves rural communities in the dark. https://nigeriaworld.com/news/source/2025/oct/8/18.html

Okocha, D. O., & Dogo, J. S. (2023). Digital inclusion in rural areas: Qualitative exploration of challenges faced by people from isolated communities in Southern Kaduna. ASRIC Journal on Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(2), 86-95.

Olanrewaju, G. S., Adebayo, S. B., Omotosho, A. Y., & Olajide, C. F. (2021). Left behind? The effects of digital gaps on e-learning in rural secondary schools and remote communities across Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 2, 100092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2021.100092

Oni, O. Y., Opara, C., & Ngongpah, G. (2025). Bridging the digital divide: How the Nigerian government can facilitate technology adoption in education. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 10(3), 2495-2503. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1898

The Economic Times. (2025, October 23). Only 23% of rural communities have internet access in Nigeria — NCC raises alarm over widening digital divide. https://theeconomictimes.com.ng/2025/10/23/only-23-of-rural-communities-have-internet-access-in-nigeria-ncc-raises-alarm-over-widening-digital-divide

Vitalis, P. O., Aondover, E. M., Ogunbola, O. E., Onyejelem, T. E., & Ridwan, M. (2025). Accessing digital divide and implications in Nigeria: The media dimension. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal) Humanities and Social Sciences, 8(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v8i1.8017