Factors Affecting the Use and Adoption of Open-Source Software Development Process among Nigerian Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Using a questionnaire titled “Factors Affecting the Use and Adoption of Open-Source Software DevelopmentProcess Among Nigerian Undergraduates” to solicit responses in selected Institutions of Higher learning in Nigeria,we investigated the factors that motivate or prevent students from adopting and using the open-source paradigm forsoftware development. Findings from the analysis of data obtained from the research showed that students are keenabout using the open source software platforms as a means of developing software system. However, there areconcerns among students of the implication of collaborative efforts on open source platforms on project completiontime, equitable access to internet facilities and metrics for assessing individual contributions to the success of thefinal product from such development process. We conclude by making recommendations on how open-sourceplatforms can be used among students.Keywords: Open-source, Undergraduates, Nigeria, proprietary, Software and Paradigm1. INTRODUCTION