User:Abdulrzk/sandbox/an analysis of the challenges of computer application in land administration

CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study With the emergence of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and electronic Government (e-Government), it is possible to improve efficiency and effectiveness of internal administration within government and to re-locate government service from government offices to locations closer to the citizens (Davies, 2002). Examples of such locations are cyber cafe, telecenters, a personal computer at home and offices, while the benefits of ICT in government cannot be disputed. There are several concerns about its success as well as the strategies to be adopted in implementation of systems in various countries (Davies, 2002). Utilizing information and communication technology and creation of electronic governments to optimal administration and achieving sustainable development received serious attention in many countries (John, 2010). Land administration is one of main section required for electronic government, although development of electronic land administration systems which have efficient to achieve electronic government face many problems (McAuslan, 2000).

Current land administration systems in different departments and organizations have been developed separately, with no relation to other similar systems. These systems don't have required flexibility to response to new interests in land and increasing requirement of various users, their traditional ways of development are unable to perform complex transactions. Furthermore, maintenance of current systems is difficult and expensive (Kalantari, 2008). This project therefore presents the findings of a literature review, knowledge acquired from reviewed case studies in Nigeria and a preliminary study grounded on Niger state ministry of lands and housing. The research also considers the characteristic challenges that the ministry face, which will make computer application implementation in land administration fail to succeed. A descriptive framework for categorizing key factors in ICT implementation in land administration and an action for success are proposed. The action for success is presented as response to situation specific challenges. 1.2 Statement of Problems Ministry of lands and housing in Niger state have not yet performed creditably well and hence have not played the expected role in the land administration of the state, despite the introduction of modern facilities (computer applications) in the administration of lands, this is as result of inappropriate application of computer in the land administration system (Victor, 2012). This situation has been of great concern to a few government operators, practitioners and few individuals, who are concerned with the development of Niger State. If computer is fully applied in land administration system, it will lead to the eradication of redundancy, discrepancy in lands acquisition in the ministry (Nuhu, 2011). 1.3 Research Questions In the course of this project work, relevant research questions to be answered are: When did the ministry introduce computer in land administration in Niger state? What tools were previously employed in providing land related information and what are the present tools in use? At what stage of land administration process were these tools introduced? What are the challenges of using computer applications in land administration in Niger state? Are there progresses in the new methods employed in land administration?

1.4 Aim and Objectives The aim of the study is to analyze the challenges of computer application in land administration in Niger State, with focus to Niger state ministry of land and urban development precisely and as well to make some general recommendation for encouraging administration of land by the use of computer. To achieve the above aim, the following objectives are to be pursed. To examine tools and techniques used in the ministry in order to keep and provide land related information. To know the level of computer competency among land personnel in the ministry. To examine the perception of using computer in administering land in Niger State. To identify the problems encountered in the use of computer in administration of land in Niger state. 1.5 Need for the Study This model (computer applications) is comprehensively designed to reveal state land acquisitions, releases and excisions where necessary. It also provides information on ratification and procedure for obtaining state lands. The new system facilitates the online assignment and payment of stamp duties, capital gain tax, neighborhood charges and other sundry fees and charges. Apart from allowing online registration of interest in land, the model is designed in a way that will facilitate the processing of governor’s consent to subsequent transaction be it mortgages, charges and or assignments. 1.6 Significance of the Study This is a broader concept that deals with the whole spectrum of the relationship and networks within government regarding the usage and application of information and communication technologies holistically (Ralph, 2003). It defines and assesses the impacts that technologies are having on the practice and administration of government and the relationships between public servants and the wider society. It also encompasses a series of necessary steps for government agencies to develop and administer to ensure successful implementation of e-government services to the public at large. 1.7 Scope of the Study This research work is limited to analyze the challenges of computer application in the Ministry of Lands and in Niger State Urban Development Board. The study covers the activities of the offices that deal with automation and the general use of computer system within the study area. 1.8 Limitation While gathering data for the purpose of this research work, the research was faced with certain limitations which serve as bottleneck towards the attainment of the goal for the study which includes. The nonchalant attitude of the respondents towards questions posed to them. Access to relevant and comprehensive literature for the research work within the stipulated time frame. The uncooperative attitude of private consultants involved in land administration towards the release of vital information relevant to the study.

1.9 Study Area Niger State, previously Niger Province was part of the North western State under the Gowon administrations twelve State structure in 1967. In 1976, when a further state creation exercise was embarked upon by the General Murtala Mohammed administration, the previous North-western state was bifurcated into Sokoto and Niger States. Niger State is located between latitudes 8°20'N and 11°30'N and longitude 3°30'E and 7°20'E. The state is bordered to the north by Zamfara State, to the northwest by Kebbi State, to the south by Kogi State, to southwest by Kwara State; while Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory border the state to the northeast and southeast, respectively. Furthermore, the State shares a common international boundary with the Republic of Benin at Babanna in Borgu Local Government Area of the state. Currently the state covers a total land area of 76,000 sq. km, or about 9 percent of Nigeria's total land area. This makes the state the largest in the country. 1.9.1 Administrative Areas Although at inception in 1967, the State had only eight LGAs, the series of other state and local government creation exercises and boundary adjustments between 1979 to 1996 have substantially increased the number of LGAs in the state to twenty five. For easy and effective administration, the twenty five LGAs have been divided into five administrative zones. These include Minna, the state capital, Bida, Suleja, Kontagora and New Bussa. There are eight Emirate councils. These include Agaie, Bida, Kontagora, Suleja, Lapai, Kagara, Borgu and Minna. At the apex of this council is the Estu Nupe who is the Chairman, Niger State Council of Chiefs. This council plays advisory role to the state government. 1.9.2 Location This State lies between the latitude of 3.20’ east and longitude 8 and 11.3’ north. It is bordered to the North by Sokoto State, West by Kebbi State, and South by Kogi and South-West by Kwara State. Kaduna and Federal Capital Territory border the State to both North-East and South-East respectively. The State has a common boundary with the Republic of Benin along New Bussa, Agwara and Wushishi Local Government Area. This has given rise to common interred border trade between the two countries. 1.9.3 Population and Land Area Before the merger of Borgu Local Government with the State, in 1991 the 1963 National Population Census stood at 1,194,508. With the release of the 1991 population figure by the Federal Government in 1992, Niger State has 2,482,367 people. The spill-over of population from the Federal Capital, Abuja is also increasing the population growth of the State. Niger State covers a total land area of 83,266,779 square kilometers or about 8.3 million hectares which represent 8% of the total land area of Nigeria. About 85% of the land is arable.

1.9.4 Soil and Occupation Like most alluvial soils, the soil in Niger State is the flood plain type and is characterized by considerable variations. The soil is of two main types which could be used for agriculture and are rich in minerals for the manufacture of various products. The two types of soil are: (a) The sandy soil which has little hazards and (b) The Clay soil which has a better water holding capacity. About 85% of the State’s population is farmers, while the remaining 15% are engaged in other vocations such as white collar jobs, manufacturing, business, production of crafts and arts. 1.9.5 Climate and Economy Niger State experiences distinct dry and wet seasons with annual rainfall varying from 1,100mm in the Northern part of the State to 1,600 mm in the southern parts. The maximum temperature is recorded between March and June, while the minimum is usually between December and January. The rainy season lasts for about 150 days in the Northern parts of about 120 days in the Southern parts of the State. Generally, the climate soil and hydrology of the State permit the cultivation of most of Nigeria’s staple crops and still allows sufficient opportunities for grazing, fresh water fishing and forestry development. The State is very richly and abundantly endowed naturally. The one most important asset cherished very much by Nigerlites is the fertile land. Added to this is the even climate of the geographical area which is characterized by very rich annual rainfall. To crown it all, a wide variety of mineral and material resources are known to be available in the State. Therefore, whether the interest is agriculture or industry, Niger State has the capacity to sustain it. This is why Nigerlites are collectively resolved that Nigeria’s strive for self-reliance and sufficiency could be facilitated and rapidly realized in Niger State. The State has numerous exportable commodities begging for patronage. 1.9.6 Electricity Supply Niger State is the acclaimed “Power House” of the nation because it houses three hydro-electric power stations in the State. They are the Shiroro hydroelectric power station commissioned in June 1990 by president Ibrahim Babangida with initial capacity of 600 mega watts, the renowned 500 MW Kainji generating plant and the Jebba Hydro-electricity dam. It is a fact that all major towns in the State and indeed, all Local Government Headquarters except one Agwara have been connected to the national grid. Even in the case of Agwara, work is in progress to get the local government connected to the national grid. Similarly, other smaller towns that cannot readily enjoy electricity from the national grid are being served by the State’s Rural Electrification efforts. Therefore electricity power does not pose a problem to the potential investor in Niger State. Fig. 1: Map of Nigeria showing Niger state Source: Ministry of Land and Survey, Minna.

Fig. 2: Map of Niger state showing the Geographical Location Source: Ministry of Land and Survey, Minna

1.10 Definition of Terms Land: The Law of real property which include the surface of the earth that beneath the surface to the centre of the earth and air above. It also includes property permanently fixed to the soil, such as water collected in wells, houses and fences. Computer: A computer is a programmable machine designed to automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. (Anthony, 2007). Administration: Administration, the universal process of organizing people and resources efficiently so as to direct activities toward common goals and objectives. (Victor, 2010). Urban Area: An area characterized by higher population density and vast human features in comparison to areas surrounding it (Anthony, 2007). Development: Development is to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community (Urban, 2009) Achieving human development is linked to a third perspective of development which views it as freeing people from obstacles that affect their ability to develop their own lives and communities. Development, therefore, is empowerment: it is about local people taking control of their own lives, expressing their own demands and finding their own solutions to their problems. Geographic Information System (GIS): A geographic information system is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data.

CHAPTER TWO 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Computer Conventionally, a computer consists of some form of memory, at least one element that carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit that can change the order of operations based on the information that is stored. Peripheral devices allow information to be entered from an external source, and allow the results of operations to be sent out. A computer's processing unit executes series of instructions that make it read, manipulate and then store data. Conditional instructions change the sequence of instructions as a function of the current state of the machine or its environment (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2000). The first use of the word "computer" was recorded in 1613, referring to a person who carried out calculations, or computations, and the word continued with the same meaning until the middle of the 20th century. From the end of the 19th century the word began to take on its more familiar meaning, a machine that carries out computations. The first electronic digital computers were developed in the mid-20th century (1940–1945). Originally, they were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers (PCs). In this era mechanical analog computers were used for military applications (Time Magazine 2009). Modern computers based on integrated circuits are millions to billions of times more capable than the early machines, and occupy a fraction of the space. Simple computers are small enough to fit into mobile devices, and mobile computers can be powered by small batteries. Personal computers in their various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what most people think of as "computers". However, the embedded computers found in many devices from mp3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial robots are the most numerous (Ralph M., et al. 2003). A computer program (also software, or just a program) is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute the instructions. The same program in its human-readable source code form, from which executable programs are derived (e.g., compiled), enables a programmer to study and develop its algorithms (Shameem 2006). 2.2 Types of Computer Since the invention of computers from first generation and fourth generation computers, they have been classified according to their types and how they operate that is input, process and output information. Below you will get a brief discussion on various types of Computers we have (Jack, 2009). Computer types can be divided into three categories according to electronic nature. Types of computers are classified according to how a particular Computer functions (Jack, 2009). These computer types are; Analogue Computers Digital Computers Hybrid Computers

2.2.1 Analogue Computers Analogue types of Computer uses what is known as analogue signals that are represented by a continuous set of varying voltages and are used in scientific research centers, hospitals and flight centre. With analogue types of computer no values are represented by physical measurable quantities e.g. voltages. Analogue computer types program arithmetic and logical operations by measuring physical changes i.e. temperatures or pressure. 2.2.2 Digital Computer type With these types of computers operation are on electrical input that can attain two inputs, states of on=1 and state of off = 0. With digital type of computers data is represented by digital of 0 and 1 or off state and on state. Digital computer type recognizes data by counting discrete signal of (0 0r 1), they are high speed programmable; they compute values and stores results. After looking at the Digital computer type and how it functions will move to the third computer type as mentioned above. 2.2.3 Hybrid type of Computer Hybrid computer types are very unique, in the sense that they combined both analogue and digital features and operations. With Hybrid computers operate by using digital to analogue convertor and analogue to digital convertor. By linking the two types of computer above you come up with this new computer type called Hybrid.

2.3 Computer Applications According to Campbell-Kelly (1996). In information technology, an application is a computer program designed to help people perform an activity. An application thus differs from an operating system (which runs a computer), a utility (which performs maintenance or general-purpose chores), and a programming tools (with which computer programs are created). Depending on the activity for which it was designed, an application can manipulate text, numbers, graphics, or a combination of these elements. Some application packages offer considerable computing power by focusing on a single task, such as word processing; others, called integrated software, offer somewhat less power but include several applications.[1] User-written software tailors systems to meet the user's specific needs. User-written software includes spreadsheet templates, word processor macros, scientific simulations, graphics and animation scripts. Even email filters are a kind of user software. Users create this software themselves and often overlook how important it is. The delineation between system software such as operating systems and application software is not exact, however, and is occasionally the object of controversy. For example, one of the key questions in the United States v. Microsoft antitrust trial was whether Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser was part of its Windows operating system or a separable piece of application software. As another example, the GNU/Linux naming controversy is, in part, due to disagreement about the relationship between the Linux kernel and the operating systems built over this kernel. In some types of embedded systems, the application software and the operating system software may be indistinguishable to the user, as in the case of software used to control a VCR, DVD player or microwave oven. The above definitions may exclude some applications that may exist on some computers in large organizations. For an alternative definition of an app: see Application Portfolio Management. With the spread of smart phones and tablet computers around 2010, the short form app was in some popular news accounts restricted to mobile apps. 2.3.1 Application software classification Ceruzzi, (2000). Application software falls into two general categories; horizontal applications and vertical applications. Horizontal applications are the most popular and widespread in departments or companies. Vertical applications are niche products, designed for a particular type of business or division in a company. There are many types of application software: An application suite: consists of multiple applications bundled together. They usually have related functions, features and user interfaces, and may be able to interact with each other, e.g. open each other's files. Business applications often come in suites, e.g. Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org and iWork, which bundle together a word processor, a spreadsheet, etc.; but suites exist for other purposes, e.g. graphics or music. Enterprise software: addresses the needs of organization processes and data flow, often in a large distributed environment. (Examples include financial systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems and supply chain management software). Departmental Software is a sub-type of enterprise software with a focus on smaller organizations or groups within a large organization. (Examples include travel expense management and IT Helpdesk.) Enterprise infrastructure software: provides common capabilities needed to support enterprise software systems. (Examples include databases, email servers, and systems for managing networks and security.) Information worker software: lets users create and manage information, often for individual projects within a department, in contrast to enterprise management. Examples include time management, resource management, documentation tools, analytical, and collaborative. Word processors, spreadsheets, email and blog clients, personal information system, and individual media editors may aid in multiple information worker tasks. Content access software: is used primarily to access content without editing, but may include software that allows for content editing. Such software addresses the needs of individuals and groups to consume digital entertainment and published digital content. (Examples include media players, web browsers, and help browsers.) Educational software: is related to content access software, but has the content and/or features adapted for use in by educators or students. For example, it may deliver evaluations (tests), track progress through material, or include collaborative capabilities. Simulation software: simulates physical or abstract systems for research, training or entertainment purposes. Media development software: generates print and electronic media for others to consume, most often in a commercial or educational setting. This includes graphic-art software, desktop publishing software, multimedia development software, HTML editors, digital-animation editors, digital audio and video composition, and many others.[2] Product engineering software: is used in developing hardware and software products. This includes computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer language editing and compiling tools, integrated development environments, and application programmer interfaces. Applications can also be classified by computing platform such as a particular operating system, delivery network such as in cloud computing and Web 2.0 applications, or delivery devices such as mobile apps for mobile devices. The operating system itself can be considered application software when performing simple calculating, measuring, rendering, and word processing tasks not used to control hardware via command-line interface or graphical user interface. This does not include application software bundled within operating systems such as a software calculator or text editor. 2.3.2 COMPUTER INFRASTRUCTURES FOR LAND ADMINISTRATION Satellite imagery Computer soft and hardware ware Programme design Satellite Imagery This is a space technology for gathering, manipulating and displaying land geographic information. The images can be in two or three digital view, and it can be of low or high resolution. But the low resolution images are not good for land administration because of their ability to show clearly every feature on the land. Examples of the low resolution imaging are; LANDSAT, NIGERIASAT which was recently upgraded to a certain level of the word sat, but yet cannot compete to other developed nation satellite system. While high resolution images are good for land administration because of their ability to show clearly every feature on land. Examples Quick bird spot, Ikonos. Quick bird spot is highly recommended because land parcel can be identified clearly. Computer Soft and Hardware Ware Software refers to parts of the computer which do not have a material form, such as programs, data, and protocols. When software is stored in hardware that cannot easily be modified (such as BIOS ROM in an IBM PC compatible), it is sometimes called "firmware" to indicate that it falls into an uncertain area somewhere between hardware and software. While, the term hardware covers all of those parts of a computer that are tangible objects. Circuits, displays, power supplies, cables, keyboards, printers and mice are all hardware. Program design Program design of small programs is relatively simple and involves the analysis of the problem, collection of inputs, using the programming constructs within languages, devising or using established procedures and algorithms, providing data for output devices and solutions to the problem as applicable. As problems become larger and more complex, features such as subprograms, modules, formal documentation, and new paradigms such as object-oriented programming are encountered. Large programs involving thousands of line of code and more require formal software methodologies. The task of developing large software systems presents a significant intellectual challenge. Producing software with an acceptably high reliability within a predictable schedule and budget has historically been difficult; the academic and professional discipline of software engineering concentrates specifically on this challenge.

2.3.3The Challenge of Computer Application in Land administration Computer-based Land Information Systems are part of the class of contemporary information systems. Unfortunately, these systems are characterized by failure rather than success in both the developed and less developed worlds in general Lyytinen and Hirscheim, (1999); Eason (2001); Horton and Lewis, (1991); Moussa and Schware, (1992), Jeffcott and Johnson, (2000), Heeks (2002, 2003), and in Africa in particular (Peterson 1998). According to Heeks (2002), who emphasizes the difficulties in identifying and classifying failure, one fifth to one-quarter of land information system projects in developing countries are a total failure, one-third to three-fifths are a partial failure, and only a minority succeed. While the evidence base for developing countries is weak, all the indicators point to high rates of failure (Moussa and Schware 1992, Peterson 1998). In 2005, Heeks estimated the failure rate in developing countries as being one-third for total failures, and one-half for partial failures, leaving only one-sixth that might be classed as successes. The reasons for these failures are multitudinous. They include weak government bureaucracies, limited managerial and technical capacity, lack of institutional support, the nature of organizational authority, lack of champions and political support, obstructionism at middle management levels, cultural and social incompatibility, inappropriate design, the contingent nature of information systems, and sustainability in the face of long-term projects. With respect to the application of Geographic Information Technology and Systems specifically, Barrett et al (2001) found that failure was a function of formality versus informality of information, rationality versus social discourse in decision-making, differing concepts of land, and lack of trust. They concluded that understanding local socio-cultural characteristics is critical to the resolution of opposing forces and the achievement of success.

A large number of issues need to be addressed carefully both before and during the design, development and implementation of an LIS since it is an ongoing process fraught with a high probability of failure. A selection of these issues are described below, followed by four structured methodologies for addressing the critical issues and ensuring that the design that is developed actually meets the reality of the context, the available resources, and human and organizational capacity. 2.4 Land Administration Mc Laughlin (2000). Land administration is an umbrella term commonly used by land related professions: surveying and mapping, planning, land law, land valuation and taxation. The existing definitions and uses of the term land administration are vague, contradictory and often partially cover all aspects of land. There is also a problem when distinguishing between land administration and land management, especially when these terms administration and management are not as distinguished as they are in English. In some jurisdictions, the two terms are synonymous and in others are treated as different. In the last decade, there have been a number of attempts within cadastral studies towards defining land administration. Nichols and McLaughlin (2001), they defined land administration as the “operational component of resource management concerned with the management and control of the tenure system”. This view is reinforced by Nichols (2001) by defining land administration as the “management of the land tenure system, including arrangements for monitoring and enforcing many of the laws and regulations affecting tenure”. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe further limits the term ‘land administration’ as the processes of determining, recording and disseminating information about ownership, value and use of land when implementing land management policies” (UNECE, 2002). These definitions are rather narrow and limited and they tend to disguise “the potentially wide array of functions and agencies that comprise land administration in the modern State” (Home 2004). Instead, a much broader definition of land administration that reflects the importance of institutions, traditional authority structures and other aspects such as politics should be utilized to undertake useful analysis in a customary tenure context. In distinguishing land administration from land management. Heeks, 2002; defines land management as, the processes of decision-making whereby resources are allocated over space and time according to the aspirations and desires of man within the framework of his technological inventiveness, his political and social institutions, and his legal and administrative arrangements. (Dale and McLaughlin, 2000). This definition of land management accommodates a wider notion of the linkages and organizations involved in land administration, and are tied more closely with land management. Dale and McLaughlin argue: Land management includes the formulation of land policy, the preparation of land development and land use plans, and the administration of a variety of land related programmes. Land administration includes the functions involved in regulating the development and use of land, gathering revenue from the land. And resolving conflicts concerning ownership and use of the land. (Dale and McLaughlin, 2000) Reinforcing the institutional perspective, Nichols (2003) defines land management as; “The process of making and implementing decisions about how land and its resources are distributed, used and protected in society”.

Both definitions by Dale and McLaughlin (2000) and Nichols (2003) emphasize implementation and the close linkages between different organizations and place them in a hierarchy with land management above. Their approach is open to criticism because it does not hold in all situations that land management and land administration can be separated into distinct compartments and neither does such a rigid hierarchy exist in customary tenure environments. Barry and Fourie (2002). have argued that in Nigerian customary and informal settlements no such rigid hierarchy of land policy, land management and land administration exists. In customary tenure in transition as in Niger state, all three elements alter their positions in the hierarchy over time (Archibong, 2003).

The definition of land administration needs to cover aspects all customary tenure that are not linked to the land rights. Also, such a definition should treat land management and land administration as equivalents in a non-hierarchical fashion (Fourie, van der Molen and Groot, (2002). In addition, land administration functions in the developing world take place outside of the land registration/cadastre sphere where the majority of the land is under customary and informal tenures. This is in contrast with situations in the developed world where land registration and cadastre play a primary role in land administration. Following on Dale and McLaughlin (2000) and Nichols (2003) arguments, it is not possible to focus on land administration exclusively as defined in the UNECE (2003) definition of land administration. Land administration may be defined as: The operational functions of land management for making and implementing land policies; protecting, acquiring, using, transferring, and distributing rights and interests in land; and carries out the distributive functions by planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and controlling the use of land. Such operational functions are defined, monitored, and enforced by the traditional authority systems, political, economic, environmental, and cultural factors of the community including their worldviews, values, aspirations, interests, belief systems, and goals within an institutional framework. 2.5 Land Administration in Developing Countries Although exciting possibilities are opening up to exploit land-related data, it is important to recognize that what is happening in western societies is moving far ahead of what is possible for example in much of Africa, the Indian sub-continent or parts of South East Asia. In the latter case there have been some significant developments for instance in Mali and Senegal and every generalized statement has notable exceptions. In most cases, however, the Third World has been unable to make a significant investment in the necessary hardware, software and data capture or conversion, or institutional change, which is necessary to sustain a modern land information system. Not only are such countries economically poor, they are also data poor in an age when the rest of the world is becoming data rich. In spite of the growing affluence in the West, the levels of poverty in the Third World are not improving. The increasing gap between rich and poor has been well documented by UN agencies such as UNDP. 20% of the world's population does not have access to clean water, while twice as many (2.6 billion people) do not have access to basic sanitation. 1.3 billion People live on less than US$1 per day. The problems are often most acute in urban areas where there is an urgent need to improve access not only to better shelter and basic services, but also to formal and informal employment opportunities.

In an attempt to overcome some of these problems, the United Nations Centre for Human Settlement (UNCHS, better known as Habitat) has mounted a Global Campaign for Secure Tenure in which: "Habitat and its partners will be using the Campaign to make clear that it is not urbanisation, in and of itself, that causes these problems, but rather a failure to make better use of the enormous opportunity and potential offered by the urbanisation process. It is poorly-managed urbanisation that leads to the marginalisation of the urban poor, which increases their current cost of living and defers enormous future environmental and social costs for the next generation." (UNCHS, 2000) Habitat went on to point out that insecure tenure: • Inhibits investment in housing • Hinders good governance • Undermines long term planning • Distorts prices of land and services • Reinforces poverty and social exclusion • Impacts most negatively on women and children These consequences arise just as much in rural as in urban communities. In the former communist countries of east and central Europe, the creation of an effective land market has been seen as part of the way to improve living standards. For the poor in the Third World, access to land and services cannot be based on formal market processes because they have no money with which to compete and no access to the formal market mechanisms. Poverty tends to be associated with poor infrastructure and in urban areas with informal squatter settlements. Cost effective mechanisms need to be developed in order to formalize the land tenure arrangements and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently for the upgrade of the infrastructure. International funding agencies such as the World Bank have successfully implemented a variety of appropriate schemes but such actions all too often only address the problems of the present. A more fundamental review of land and development policies is often needed to ensure that land is used in a sustainable way.

As Habitat points out, "Informal settlements exist and expand because of the inadequate provision of land, speculative investment patterns, a tendency towards over-regulation, and a regulatory framework of standards, regulations and administrative procedures that is, at best, indifferent and - more likely - hostile to the needs of the urban poor. All of these issues will have to be directly tackled in order to create the conditions for rapid progress, economic investment and growth". (UNCHS, 2000). Part of this process must be improvement to the local land administration system and the development of an appropriate land information system. This is necessary but not sufficient to ensure a more equitable distribution of land and hence of wealth. Secure tenure will not, on its own, reduce poverty and ensure sustainable development but it is an essential component in the way forward. It is also something to which many Governments became committed when they signed up to the Habitat. Agenda after the meeting in Istanbul in 1996. Under paragraph 40(b) they committed themselves to "providing legal security of tenure and equal access to land to all people, including women and those living in poverty; and undertaking legislative and administrative reforms to give women full and equal access to economic resources, including the right to inheritance and to ownership of land and other property, credit, natural resources and appropriate technologies". (UN, 1996). In many countries there is still a tendency to separate land ownership rights from land use rights and to have no effective institutional mechanism for linking planning and land use controls with land values and the operations of the land market. The problems are often compounded by poor administrative and management procedures that fail to deliver the services that are needed. Investment in new technology will only go a small way towards solving a much deeper problem, which is the failure to treat land and its resources as a coherent whole. In reality, many of the less developed countries need to re-engineer their cadastral and land registration systems to take into account the need for 'joined-up' government and the requirements of a modern land market. Many, for example, need to find faster and less expensive ways of recording land parcels and the formal and informal legal interests that are attached to them. Radical solutions are needed that do not necessarily build on the precedents of the past, many of which have evolved from colonial experience and alien cultures. There are signs that this process has begun in some countries, for instance in South Africa, but in most developing nations there is not yet the will for root and branch reform.

2.6 Elements that characterize an Efficient and Effective Land Market 2.6.1 Regulatory Framework Legal entities and all physical persons may own properties with equal rights. Institutional structures are secure with well-regulated activities. Clear policies create strong and clearly understood regulating authorities, a favorable environment for investment and strong motivation for individuals. Agricultural and urban land management policies are clear. Planning, environment, health and local administration policies clear. Planning and zoning controls are clearly understood and enforced. Professional services exist, with basic assent and understanding from the public. There are clear policies about information management, intellectual property rights and the protection of investments in data.

2.6.2 Participants, Goods and Services, and Financial Instruments Landowners and tenants exist and represent a range of different  stakeholders. There is a strong private sector (with individuals, companies & family units). Large corporate players exist (including investment funds, pension funds). All government held land is basically held for public purpose or social housing. The construction sector is established and healthy. There is a variety of assets available, apartments, residences (of various sizes), offices, commercial buildings and agricultural land holdings. Information on real assets available for sale is widely known and reliable. Mechanisms exist to create new assets where needed, (i.e. the market is able to respond to rising demand by building more houses, etc.). 2.6.3 Land Registration and Cadastre There is a sound legal basis for ownership and trading of property rights. All necessary legal structures are in place, especially inheritance. Recording and registering systems are soundly implemented There is no risk of unjustified expropriation. Land and buildings can be traded and leased easily. The quality of data held by regulators is good. 2.6.4 Valuation Valuation is clear and well understood, based on market prices. Valuations are accepted and used as basis for calculation of asset values. The mechanism for offering real property for sale is clear. Mortgage advice is available for residential property. The quality of data held by regulators is good.

2.6.5 Financial Services Cash sales are clear and supported. Land and buildings can be used as security. Special mortgages / credit facilities are available for agricultural land. Bankruptcy and first charges on mortgages are supported. Mortgages are available for residential property (up to a certain % of the value). Financial products are tied to assets (e.g. pension funds can be used as security). Taxation regimes are not subject to sudden change. Tax implications for investments are clear. Financing for investments exists and venture capital is available. Foreign Direct Investment is encouraged and there is a low assessment of risk. There is an understanding of how land and property taxes can affect land use. The quality of data held by regulators is good.

2.7 Land Administration Procedures in Niger State According to Nuhu, (2005) the administration of land in Niger State is not different from other states in the North. As we are aware the enabling law guiding Land Administration is the “Decree No.6 of 29th March 1978, now Land Use Act, (LUA) 1978, Cap 202. Until Ministry of Lands Survey and Town Planning was scrapped sometimes late 2005 and was made a department under the Governor’s Officer. The department is made of three sections, Lands, Survey and Town Planning.

2.7.1 Functions of Each Section Land Section Is in charge of the running of day to day activities of land administration in the following ways: Acquisition of land Allocation of land Compensation and allocation of fees Preparation of Initial Bill and Ground Rent Preparation of Certificate of Occupancy Assessment for Compensation Site Inspection/ Report Opening of New Files for applicant Settlement of dispute Offering technical advice on litigation(s) Survey Section Demarcation and surveying of layouts Reporting/charting of new items on Intelligence sheet Production of maps by cartographers Updating of maps Other special assignment such as representation as committee members’ e.g. Boundary adjustment committee. Town Planning Section Planning the Urban/Rural Area Design of layout Planning report and recommendation of applications Ensuring that zoning arrangement are observed Production of site Analysis/Environment Impact Assessment reports. Site Analysis Plan. The enforcement of physical development control is carried out by Niger State Urban Development Board (NUDB) which is a separate Board set up to check, monitor and control physical development in the state (Nuhu, 2007). 2.7.2 Niger State Urban Development Board (NUDB) Enforcement of development control in the metropolis. Processing of building permits (building plans) for prospective developers. Provision and the maintenance of streets and traffic of lights. Construction and the maintenance of roads (in conjunction with the State Ministry of works). Refuse collection and disposal Enforcement of public health laws and regulations. 2.7.3 The Local Government Councils Grants of customary land tiles outside ‘urban areas’ Approval of building plans for development outside urban areas. Refuse collection and disposal Provision and maintenance of motor parks, markets, parks and gardens. Provision of social amenities. There are other public bodies like the Nigerian Railway Corporation, educational institutions, etc which have large chunks of land in Minna and which exercise some management responsibilities over such lands (Mogbo, 2005). The system of land administration on the ground is however far more complex than the public model outline above. There are many land management system as there are land markets in Niger state. In broad terms, three main models for land management in Minna: can be identified the public, private and community (people) models, they are referred to simply as model of land management (Harrison, 1987: Dung-Gwom, 2004). The characteristics of section each and its role are summarized below. Public (Government)

Private (free Market)						People (Communal) Fig 3.0 Model of Land Management. Source: Ministry of Lands and Housing, Niger State.

2.8 Niger State Land Administration System before the Land Ministry About four decades ago, land administration in the tribal areas was in theory undertaken by the chief under very strict customary rules. For example, the chief apportioned blocks of land to the sub-chiefs in the villages, the sub-chief would in turn re-distribute land to ward heads whose duty was to allot land to individual family heads, and family heads apportioned land to themselves and members of their family (see Figure 2.0).

Figure 4.0: Customary Land Administration Structure in Niger State. Source: Ministry of Lands and Housing, Niger State.

This decentralized land administration system was very tight and efficient because those who were given the responsibility to oversee land could easily manage their areas, which were only small parts of a larger unit (Machacha, 1982). In cases where there were no ward heads, especially at the cattle posts, the Chief would appoint as his representative a land overseer. The following elements are characteristic of the customary tenure system in Niger State, Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries: Every person has the right to land for residential, cultivation and grazing by virtue of his or her membership in some social group; Individuals have security of tenure, i.e., the right to remain in occupation undisturbed; Land rights are inheritable; Individual group has the choice to cancel non-members’ rights to land, and can in certain cases, reallocate land not cultivated or underutilized (Aliyu, 2010). In his lecture, he described the occupation and use of land in Niger state tribal territories as being governed almost entirely by customary law. In rural areas, the Chief controls the allocation of land and assigns a residential area, a separate arable tract and grazing land to each of the wards in his area. The holding of each ward is controlled by the ward head that must provide for all the households under his authority. Every family is entitled to land for residential and agricultural purposes and the head of the family assigns plots to his descendants (Bolodeoku, 2006). 2.7.4 Action Plan for Success The best way to achieve maximum benefit for computer application in land administration is to have all the factors for success with no occurrence of the factors for failure. However, in real world that is not the case. Given such a situation, an action to increase the chances of success is required. (Victor, 2008) suggests the following framework for implementing e-land administration projects. The framework consists of five stages: • Examine national e-Readiness • Identify and prioritize themes • Develop a program of action • Apply to target groups • Implement solutions – the final stage of the framework, is to implement the solutions. A key factor in this implementation is to ensure that the organization is ready and in place to realize the new activities and corresponding changes. Some ICT best practices that have been “implemented” from a review of successful applications are suggested by Victor. Given their simple situation, developing countries are in a position to make effective and speedy use of such best practices for their own purposes. This can be viewed from an angle of ‘technology leapfrog’ which can be achieved through appropriate technology transfer (Jack, 2006). The suggested best practices in ICT are: 1. Do not underestimate the complex environment in which ICT programs evolve. ICT projects are too often believed to have a technology focus. 2. Be sure to select a project that is expected to demonstrate the greatest benefit for your target group. 3. Government staff should be re-skilled’ to anticipate the changes that accompany an ICT structure and new roles 4. Identify the right technologies. 5. Make a decision on how an organizational process fits your technology. 6. Strong program and project management is essential to develop and implement successful ICT solutions. 7. Do not underestimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an ICT project. The above best practices might not be sufficient but they can act as a basis for further research. In this paper, the best practices have been analyzed but their adoption in Kenya is not clear at this early stage of e-Government implementation.

CHAPTER THREE 3.0	RESEARCH METHODOLGY 3.1    Instrument for Data Collection The following instruments were employed for the collection of data required for this research study. These are: Questionnaire: the questionnaire used for the study are set of questions given by the researcher to individual staff of Niger state ministry of Land and Urban Development to fill in, which is consist of an open-ended questions. Interview: In an interview, the researcher engaged the respondents (staff of the respective ministries) in verbal discussion to extract some more vital information; it is also a one on one or face to face communication in which this research work questions is made. Field work: It involves recognizance survey to the study area where the administration of land is fully in operation. It is primarily aimed at collecting some vital information from the study area (ministry of land and urban development board, Minna). Digital camera: Digital camera was used to get visible pictures of the staff offices in the study area as well as facilities (computer systems, scanning machines, and other electronic devices like fans, air conditioner and photocopiers) for accurate information on identified scheme. Internet: Data from the internet specifically academic Journals, conference and seminar papers were accessed to gather the necessary information for this research work.

3.2  PROCEDURES OF DATA COLLECTION The procedures used in this research work for the collection of relevant information (data) in the study area are stated as follows; Questionnaires: Questionnaires were comprehensively designed for a reasonable opinion to be made from the researcher to the respondents. These are set of questions that would help the respondents to provide answers to the research questions. A total of twenty (20) questionnaire would be administered to the NIGIS laboratory and fifteen (15) questionnaire to the survey, Lands and Planning Departments of Niger State ministry of Lands and Housing and ten (10) questionnaire to computer room of Niger state urban development board making the total sum of forty five (45) questionnaires. Interview Interview were conducted with the staff of Niger state ministry of lands and housing and Niger state urban development board staff to get relevant information on the challenges of computer application on land administration in Niger state. However, vital information was elicited, apart from administering the questionnaire; it was a face to face communication which is relevant to this research work. An interview was conducted with automation staff in the NIGIS laboratory and other senior staff in both ministry of lands and housing, and Niger state urban development board all of who have spent over seven (7) years of service with the ministry. Field survey: This was the first stage in the process of gathering data. It involved visiting the study area where the scheme is in operation. It is primarily aimed at collecting the necessary information from the study area. The survey was conducted by the researcher in order to examine the challenges of service scheme in the study area. It involves personal discussion with staff in the ministry. Digital camera: Digital camera was used to get a visible pictures of the previous procedures as well as computer related facilities and electricity for accurate information on identified scheme as at the time of inspection in the study area. Internet: Data from the internet specifically academic Journals and conference papers were accessed to get vital information for these researched work. 3.3	SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION Primary and Secondary data collection were used in this research. Primary data were obtained through direct personal interview, field survey and questionnaires administration. The data collected for the purpose of this study mainly stated as follows; Primary source Secondary source 3.3.1 Primary source This is called a firsthand data; it is the statistical materials that originated from the researcher. Primary data are mainly from direct observation of events, manipulation of variables, contrivance of research site including performance of experiments and response to questionnaires. Primary data needs to be after they are generated. Refinement takes the form of classification or analysis.

3.3.2: Secondary source Data from secondary source are those that have been obtained indirectly by someone else i.e. textbooks and other relevant reports that are available in libraries for this study, literature from several published books and journals were used by the researcher. Data from internet specifically academic articles and papers were researched. 3.4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE AND ADMINISTRATION OF QUESTIONNAIRE In this research, three places were selected in Niger state as the area of study. Questionnaires are effectively administrated to obtain data and result of which was used to generalize the challenges of Computer application in Land Administration in Niger State. Questionnaires were administered in each of the sampling unit, giving a total sample size of Forty Five (45) respondents. The selected areas are: Niger State Ministry of Lands and Housing (old and the new phase) and Niger State Urban Development Board (NSUDB) respectively. These areas were purposive sampled because they are the areas that are having direct impact on the research but emphasis was more on the new phase of the ministry (NIGS Laboratory). 3.5  Population for the Study: The populations for this study are the member of Staff in the Niger State Ministry of Lands and Housing and the Niger State Urban Development Board (NSUDB). 3.6 Sample Frame A total of forty five (45) personnel of the Niger state ministry of lands and housing and urban development board were selected from the population for data collection using purposive sampling technique, because of the complexity of accessing the population of the study area. 3.7 Sample Size. The sample size here was determined from the total sample frame reflecting the population of the study. It is derived using the formula state as thus; Ss = N/(1+Ne^2 ) Where; N = Total of population in the study area =51 E = Level of significance=0.05% 51/(1+(51×〖0.05〗^2)) 51/1.1275                                                 45.23281596                                              Approximate= 45 Sample size of the study is forty five (45) personnel drawn from the population of the two areas in Niger state (Niger state ministry of lands and housing and urban development board). The sample obtained in proportion to the study population using the formula above to determine the need sample size from the proportion with a 0.05% level of significance. 3.8 Sampling Technique. The sampling technique used for this research is purposive sampling technique. This due to the fact that certain members of the population were negated as they would not contribute to the information needed for the research. CHAPTER FOUR 4.0 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 4.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter present the analysis of result obtained from the questionnaire administered to the respondents in order to investigate the challenges of computer application in land administration in Niger State. The information in the administered questionnaire were analyzed in line with such challenges in land administration, these were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages under demographic data. Forty five (45) questionnaires were distributed to the respondents and all were returned and valid. 4.2 Demographic Data The following table 1-7 shows the respondents data in form of state and categories of respondents in line with the objectives of the study. Table 1: Distribution of respondents by gender Gender 	No. of Respondents 	Percentage (%) Male 	37	82.2 Female 	8	17.8 Total 	45	100 Source: Author’s field survey, 2012. Table 1: above shows that Thirty Seven (37) respondents representing 82.2% were male while the remaining eight (8) representing 17.8% of the sample were female. The total sample of the study was forty five (45), result of this analysis showed that the number of male respondents were the majority. Reason could be attributed to the fact that odds against land administration were more felt in the study area. Table 2: Distribution of respondents by marital status Marital status 	No. of Respondents 	Percentage (%) Single 	15	33.3 Married 	30	66.7 Total 	45	100 Source: Author’s field survey, 2012. Table 2: above show that fifteen (15) respondents representing 33.3% were single; while the remaining thirty (30) representing 66.7% were married. The total sample of the study was forty five (45). Result of this analysis shared that the number of marital status (married) respondents were the majority. Reasons could be attributed to the fact that that married respondents form the larger portion of the study area. Table 3: Distribution of respondents by age Age 	No. of Respondents 	Percentage (%) 20 – 30 yrs 	15	33.3 31 – 40 yrs 	14	31.1 41 – 50 yrs 	12	26.7 51 to 60	4	8.9 Total 	45	100 Source: Author’s field survey, 2012. Table 3: above shows that fifteen (15) respondents representing 33.3% range between 20 - 30years, ages between 31-40 years were fourteen (14) representing 31.1%, 41 – 50 years were twelve (12) representing 26.7% and 51 – 60 years were four (4) representing 8.9%. result of this analysis showed that the ages between 20 – 30years and 31 – 40 years respondents were the majority; reason could be attributed to the fact that majority were well matured and married. Table 4: Distribution of respondents by educational qualifications Item	No. of respondents 	Percentage (%) Primary Certificate 	0	0 SSCE	0	0 NCE	8	17.6 Diploma	22	48.7 Degree	16	35.5 Total 	45	100 Source: Author’s field survey, 2012. Table 4: above shows that none of the respondents representing 0% of the sample hold either primary certificate or SSCE certificate. Eight (8) respondents represent 17.6% posses NCE, Twenty two (22) respondents representing 48.7% posses Diploma and the remaining sixteen (16) respondents representing 35.5% posses Degree Certificate. Result of this analysis showed that the number of respondents who hold Diploma and Degree Certificate were the majority. Reason could be attributed to the fact that majority of the respondents in the study area were above average academically and highly educated. Table 5: Distribution of respondents by Computer Knowledge S/No. Item	Alternative/Responses	No. of Respondents	Percentage (%) 1	Are you conversant with the knowledge of computer? Yes 	38	84.4 No	7	15.6 Total 	45	100 2	Do you have knowledge of any computer applications? Yes 	38	84.4 No	7	15.6 Total 	45	100 3	Have you acquire any training in computer application in land   administration? Yes 	20	44.4 No	25	55.6 Total 	45	100 4	At what stage of land administration is the application used? Acquisition of land	5	11.1 Land titling 	10	22.2 Allocation of land 	7	15.6 At all the stages 	23	51.1 Total 	45	100 Source: Author’s field survey, 2012. Result on table 5: above shows that thirty eight (38) respondents representing 84.4% are conversant with computer knowledge while seven respondents representing 15% are not conversant with computer knowledge. Thirty eight (38) respondents representing 85% have knowledge of computer applications while seven (7) respondents representing 15.6% have no knowledge of any computer application. Result on item three above shows twenty (20) respondents representing 44.4% have acquired computer training in land administration, while twenty five (25) respondents representing 55.6% have acquire no computer training in land administration. Item four on table 4.5 above also shows that five (5) respondents representing 11.1% of the respondents agree that computer application on land administration could be used during land acquisition, ten (10) respondents representing 22.2% during land titling, seven (7) respondents representing 15.6% during land allocation and twenty three (23) respondents representing 51.1% agree that computer applications on land administration could be used at all the stages. Table 6: Adaptation to Computer Application on Land Administration S/No. Item	Alternative/Responses	No. of Respondents	Percentage (%) 5	Are there progresses in the new methods employed? Yes 	44	97.8 No	1	2.2 Total 	45	100 6	What are the relevant challenges when using these applications? Power shortage 	8	17.8 Maintenance 	5	11.1 Within the staff	5	11.1 All of the above	27	60.0 Total 	45	100 7	Is there any challenge other than the above mentioned? Yes 	2	4.4 No	43	95.6 Total 	45	100 8	What methods do your employers use to tackle this challenges Consulting advisers 	5	11.1 External advice 	3	6.7 Solving on your own way 	2	4.4 All of the above 	35	77.8 Total 	45	100 Source: Author’s field survey, 2012. Table 6: above show that forty four (44) respondents representing 97.8% agrees that there is progress in the new method employed while One (1) respondent representing 2.2% doesn’t agree that there is progress in the new method employed. Eight (8) respondents representing 17.8% have power shortage as their major challenge when using the method; five (5) respondents representing 11.1% have maintenance as their major challenge; also, five (5) respondents representing 11.1% agree that the staffs are the major challenge, while twenty seven (27) respondents representing 60.1% agrees with all the above challenges as obstacles to using the new method. Table 7: Adaptation to the Methods employed by Employers S/No. Item	Alternative/Responses	No. of Respondents	Percentage (%) 9	Do these methods work? Yes 	43	95.6 No	2	4.4 Total 	45	100 10	If your employer’s method doesn’t work, do you have any solution for it? Yes 	35	77.8 No	10	22.2 Total 	45	100 11	Other opinion for the solution to this problem	More Training/workshops	32	71.1 General Computer Training 	8	17.8 Seminars on Land administration 	5	11.1 Total 	45	100 Source: Author’s field survey, 2012. Result from table 7: above show that forty three (43) respondents representing 95.6% agrees with the method employed to solve the problems while two (2) respondents representing 4.4% do not agree with the methods been employed to tackle the problems. Thirty five (35) respondents representing 77.8% of the respondents have other alternatives than the methods employed by their employer while ten (10) respondents representing 22.2% depends on the solution provided by their employer to unravel the challenges encountered. Thirty two (32) respondents representing 71.1% agree that with more training/workshops, these challenges could be solved, eight (8) respondents representing 17.8% agree with General Computer training and five (5) respondents representing 11.1% recommend for seminars on land administration as the other technique to tackle these challenges.

CHAPTER FIVE DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS DISCUSSION OF FINDING From all the responses obtained through questionnaire, interviews and general observation on the topic, not much success has been achieved by the staff due to inadequate manpower and knowledge of computer by the staff. However, senior staffs of the institution that are computer literate have indicated their interest to change, if the materials are made available. Also, during the findings, these problems were revealed; Resilience to change of tradition Inadequate knowledge of computer by the back up staffs Fear of some staff losing their jobs Inaccurate and inappropriate record on files, which often result into missing of files and document. Resistance from those who get facilitation fees for getting some students admission into the school. 5.2 SUMMARY From the findings above, it is noted that there are lots of challenges of computer application in office management; although, many of the respondents have general computer knowledge but have limited knowledge of computer application in office management. If seminars, workshops and more training courses are encouraged under the right atmosphere, I believe that these challenges would be reduced drastically. 5.3 CONCLUSION In the course of this project, we have been able to look at the challenges faced using computer applications in office management with federal university of technology (FUT) as a case study. Although, the case study (FUT) is still a little bit far from attaining the required success level in this regard, however, in recent times we have begun to witness a deliberate attempt by the school board to promote the use of Information and Communication Technology for sustainable development.

REFERENCES Anthony, H. (2007). Collection of the Science Museum in London. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, pp 298. Akhter and Shameem, (2006). Multi-Core Programming. Richard Bowles (Intel Press). pp. 11–13. ISBN 0-9764832-4-6. Alan, T. (2009). Time 100 People of the Century. Time Magazine. Retrieved from; http://www.205.188.238.181/time/time100/scientist/profile/turing.html. Archibong, J. (2003). Clearing up Cloudy Title in a Developing Country, in Proc. XXI International Congress: Developing a Profession in the Developing World. July 1998. Brighton, UK. Barry M. and C. Fourie (2002). “Wicked problems, soft systems and cadastral systems in periods of uncertainty: South African Experience”. Survey Review, 36(285): 483-496.

Bolodeoku, I. O. (2006). Information Depository and Retrieval System for Nigeria. “Exploring some Common Law World Initiatives ICCLR 132. Campbell-Kelly, Martin; Aspray, William (1996). Computer: A History of the Information Machine. New York: Basic Books. ISBN 0-465-02990- Ceruzzi, Paul E. (2000). A History of Modern Computing. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-03255-4. Dale, P. F. (2000). Cadastral Surveys within the Commonwealth: Report. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Davies, E (2002). Science and Reform: Selected Works of Charles Babbage. Cambridge University, Cambridge University Press, England. Page 99. John, V. A. (2010). The father of the computer. Columbia.edu: Retrieved from: http://www.columbia.edu/td2177/JVAtanasoff/JVAtanasoff.html. John, V. A. (2011). The Birth of Electronic Digital Computing. Atanasoff-Berry Computer, Retrieved from; http://www.cs.iastate.edu/jva/jva-archive.shtml. Mabogunje, A. L. (2000). “Institutional radicalization, the state, and the development process in Africa.” Development Policy Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria. Also available at Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, USA, www.pnas.orgycgiydoiy10.1073ypnas. Ralph M., et al. (2003). Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition. Thomson Learning, Inc.. pp. 132. ISBN 0-619-06489-7. UNCHS (2000). Handbook on Best Practices, Security of Tenure and Access to Land. United. UNECE (2003): Comparative Analysis on Cadastral Systems in the European Union, United Kingdom, 2003. Urban A. (2000). Statistics Canada. Retrieved; http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/ref/dict/geo049-eng.cfm. Victor, T. (2008). Efficient Administration through E-governance. Available on line at wwwmedialabasia.org last visited on 17/10/2010. World Bank (1993). “Housing: Enabling markets to work.” A World Bank Policy Paper. Washington: The World Bank.

APENDIX FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA, SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF ESTATE MANAGEMENT. Programme: diploma in computer science and mathematics Title: QUESTIONNAIRE The questionnaire below are drawn with a view of earning out an independent research on aforementioned title, you are therefore requested to answer the entire question honestly to the best of your understanding. Your response will be treated with absolute confidence and use only for academies purpose. Any inconveniences this might have caused you are highly regretted, thanks for your corporation. Yours faithfully, Musa Abdulrazak.

RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE This questionnaire is directed to both academic and none academic staff of Federal University of Technology Minna. Please fill or tick appropriately the spaces provided. Educational qualification Primary 						(iv) Secondary College of education				(v) Polytechnic University						(vi) Master SECTION B	Are you conversant with the knowledge of computer? Yes	       		No Do you have knowledge of any computer applications? Yes 			No If yes specify the application: ………………………………………………. Have you acquire any training in computer application in office managementn? Yes		No	No Are these applications relevant to office management?

Yes 			No If yes, how relevant: …………………………………...………………….. At what stage of office management is the application used? record storage		(iii) e-file transfer communication		(iv) at all stages What are the relevant challenges when using these applications? Power shortage		(iii) maintenance Within the staff		(iv) all of the above Is there any challenges other than the above mentioned? Yes			(ii)  No 	If yes specify: ……………………………………………………………… What methods do your employers use in 	What methods do your employers use to tackle this challenges By consulting your advise		(iii) external advise By solving it their own way		(iv) all of the above Do these methods work? Yes 			  (ii) No If your employers methods don’t work, do you have any solution for it? yes			No What is your personal opinion of a solution to the problem? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Plate1: Picture Showing New Phase of Niger State Ministry Of Land And Housing ( NIGIS Laboratory). Plate 2: Picture Showing NIGIS Data Base Machine

Plate 3: Picture Showing Facilities in Cartographic Department in NIGIS Laboratory. Plate 4: Picture Showing C of O Printer in Automation Department. (NIGIS laboratory).

Plate 5: Side View of The Old Section of the Ministry Plate 6: Conventional Record-Keeping System in Old Section of the Ministry.