E-Governance and Government-Citizen Interactions in Oyo State: A Study of Oyo Metropolis

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of e-governance on government-citizen interactions in 
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, addressing a gap in existing literature. Drawing upon Social Capital 
Theory and Institutional Theory, the research examines digital literacy levels, awareness, and 
the effectiveness of e-governance initiatives in enhancing citizen engagement. Utilizing a 
descriptive research design, data was collected purposefully from 100 civil servants directly 
involved with e-governance platforms in Oyo State, employing a structured questionnaire titled 
E-Governance and Government-Citizen Interaction (EGOCI). The study used inferential tools 
for data analysis. The hypotheses were tested using ANOVA analysis. Analysis revealed 
moderate levels of digital literacy (¯x =2.98) and awareness among citizens in Ibadan 
(¯x=2.93), with a general agreement on the positive impact of e-governance on governmentcitizen interactions ((¯x =3.05). Findings also showed that there exists a significant impact of 
e-governance on government-citizen interactions in Ibadan, Oyo State (F= 14.575, P<0.05). 
Findings suggest e-governance holds promise for enhancing government-citizen interactions 
by improving digital literacy, awareness, and fostering positive perceptions of effectiveness. 
The study recommends that more focus should be on extensive outreach and education 
initiatives to enhance digital literacy and awareness, along with continuous monitoring and 
evaluation of e-governance initiatives to ensure ongoing improvement.