Training as a Determinant of Open Source-Software Applications Adoption in Universities

There is a consensus that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can play an important role in developing countries. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing agitation by sections of the society that softwares be freed from the control of the commercial developers. The adoption and use of open source software (OSS), especially in institutions of higher learning can play a fundamental responsibility in the formation of new knowledge, distribution and ultimate application of OSS in the economy and society as a whole. This study aimed at assessing the determinants of the adoption of open source software applications in universities. A survey research design was employed and both Primary and secondary sources of data were used. From the findings, most of the respondents seemed to have knowledge on OSS this is true because lately OSS has gained a reputation in terms reliability, efficiency, functionality, security that has amazed majority of consumers who are increasing by day. The findings indicated all variables under study, which were; Awareness, Perception of utilization, training and perceived usefulness had an effect on adoption. This effect was however 45.1% which means other factors influence adoption. It therefore recommended further research on these other factors.