The nexus between infrastructure and economic development in Ilorin metropolis
The nexus between infrastructure and economic development in Ilorin metropolis

Summary/Abstract: Objective. The current level of infrastructural development in Nigeria is heartbreaking one. Journeying through the streets of Ilorin, one can see the derelict state of infrastructures. Previous studies have indicated the relevance of infrastructure in driving economic development. The study therefore sought to determine the relationship between the some infrastructure system elements, such as state of the railway system correlated to its level of use, the latter being an indicator of economic development. The study also determined the relationship between the state of hydroelectric power supply and presence of industries, respectively community literacy level and gender equality in the employment of teachers. Material and methods. The utilitarian theory was employed to explain the area of interest. The study adopted a mixed method of design, utilizing both questionnaire and in-depth interview for data collection. A sample of 262 respondents was drawn from the population with the use of purposive sampling technique. The chi square statistical technique was used to test the quantitative data. Results. State of railway transport system is significantly associated to its level of use by people of Ilorin [C² (6, N=250) = 85.214, p=.05]. State of hydroelectric power supply is significantly associated to the presence of industries in Ilorin metropolis [C² (6, N=250) = 102.865, p=.05]. Community literacy level is significantly associated to level of gender equality in the employment of teachers in Ilorin metropolis [C² (4, N=250) = 84.112, p=.05]. The findings from the in-depth interview corroborate those results. Conclusions. The three hypotheses tested revealed a significant association between the variables of study. With this result in mind, it is recommended that efforts should be made by Kwara state government to strive rendering infrastructural facilities available to the inhabitants of Ilorin metropolis in order to achieve the desired development.

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