An Appraisal of the Implication of Mobile Telecommunication Revolutions on Nigeria’s Young Population: A Study of Students of Higher Education Institutions in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The mobile telecommunication industry is undergoing tremendous revolution so much that even an illiterate handler of mobile phone is tutored to say "hello" upon access to it. The use of the mobile phone has become so ubiquitous that a mere three-year-old infant can lift up a GSM handset and speak into it. In some instances, the mobile phone has become a play toy that is at the reach of every member of the family. The mobile phone has made inroad into every segment of the Nigerian society including the rural areas. The mobile phone revolution has brought a lot of changes and made lives a lot more comfortable and stress free by bringing people closer even when they are separated by distance. The mobile phone may have also reduced the frequency of travels by many people and by implication reduced danger and hazards associated with travels. It is reported that Nigeria has over 80 million mobile phone subscribers to the four dominant mobile phone service providers in Nigeria. It is a well-known fact that since the late 90s several countries of the world especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America have witnessed a phenomenal growth in this telecommunications sector of the economy of these nations, particular reference is made of the use of mobile cellular phones. As a matter of fact, organizations have become increasingly dependent on technologically based information to support operational, tactical and strategic business activities, thereby making information technology intrinsic in today business enterprise (Okpara and Mohammed, 2012). Telecommunications revolution has transformed Nigerian society from its in diverse ways, to the illiterate, it makes communication easier and faster than it used to before the revolution. Similarly, it has become a tool for the young ones not only as a medium for communications but a play mate. As it has become an instrument for playing games, listening to music, chats among peers. It has become widely known that this revolution, which include the use of the