THE NEED FOR A PAPERLESS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY.

Abstract

The increasing integration of digital technologies into education has given rise to new models of teaching, learning, and institutional management. One of such models is the paperless-based educational system, which seeks to reduce or completely eliminate the use of paper in academic and administrative processes through the application of information and communication technology (ICT). This paper explored the adoption of paperless based educational system in Nigeria for sustainable educational system that is environmentally friendly. The paper is a review paper that depend secondary data. The secondary data were collected from print and online publications. The paper concluded the adoption of this policy paperless based educational system in Nigeria will enhance administrative efficiency, enhancing teaching and learning, reducing costs, strengthening assessment processes, promoting digital skills, and supporting environmental sustainability. The paper noted that the successful implementation of a paperless-based educational system in Nigeria depends on the fulfillment of several interrelated preconditions. These include adequate ICT infrastructure, stable power supply, digital literacy, supportive policies, sustainable funding, equitable access, technical support, and effective change management. Addressing these preconditions holistically is essential for ensuring that paperless education initiatives achieve their intended goals of efficiency, quality, inclusiveness, and sustainability. A strategic and coordinated approach by government, educational institutions, and other stakeholders is therefore critical to the realization of a paperless educational system in Nigeria. Based on the review and position advanced in this paper, the paper recommends that government and private institutions should invest and strengthen ICT infrastructure, ensure stable power supply, capacity building, policy and institutional support and promote equity and access.