LEVERAGING SMART TECHNOLOGIES FOR SCHOOL SECURITY AND STUDENT INFORMATION PROTECTION IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ORUMBA SOUTH L.G.A
Abstract
This study examined the extent to which smart technologies are leveraged for school security and student information protection in selected secondary schools in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 509 students drawn from five secondary schools, while a sample of 224 was selected using Taro Yamane’s formula and proportionate stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire titled Smart Technologies for School Security and Student Information Protection Questionnaire (STSSSIPQ). The instrument, rated on a five-point Likert scale, was analyzed using mean and standard deviation with a criterion mean of 3.00. Findings revealed that smart technologies such as CCTV cameras, biometric systems, electronic monitoring tools, and digital security devices are moderately deployed for school security (grand mean = 3.11). The study further established that smart technologies significantly contribute to the protection of student information through digital record storage, password protection systems, restricted access to data, and reduced data loss (grand mean = 3.18). However, gaps exist in cyber threat detection and student awareness of data protection practices. The study also identified major challenges affecting implementation, including inadequate funding, poor power supply, lack of technical expertise, high installation costs, poor internet connectivity, inadequate training, and privacy concerns (grand mean = 3.51). The study concluded that although smart technologies enhance school security and student information protection, their effectiveness is limited by infrastructural, financial, and human resource constraints. It recommended increased funding, improved infrastructure, capacity building, and strengthened cybersecurity and data protection policies for effective implementation in secondary schools.
Keywords: Smart Technologies, School Security, Student Information Protection, Cyber Security
Onyekachi J. Anyanwu
Department of Computer Science Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze
onyekachi.anyanwu@fcetumunze.edu.ng