Abstract
The phenomenon of Open Access (OA) has become a sort of paradigm shift in academic
communication as it removes the obstacles of subscriptions and increases access to
academic publications. Although the open access usage is adopted around the world, the
implementation of open access materials in Nigeria Colleges of Education is below ideal.
This research paper examined the issues related to the access and utilization of Open
Access materials by lecturers and students in the selected Colleges of Education in Osun
State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was followed with the aid of structured
questionnaires, interviews, and observation checklists used to collect data. Four hundred
and twenty respondents made up of lecturers and students of five NCCE-approved Colleges
of Education took part in the research. Quantitative data were examined through
descriptive statistics and chi-squares, whereas qualitative data were examined through the
use of themes. The results showed that the moderate awareness of Open Access resources,
the insufficiency of ICT infrastructure, the weak internet connection, the low level of digital
literacy, and the apprehension about the credibility of OA publications were identified as
the issues. The paper comes to a conclusion that Open Access materials can improve the
process of teaching, learning, and research, but there is an important potential, which is
hampered by institutional and infrastructural barriers. It offers better ICT infrastructure,
better education of users and the formulation of institutional policies of Open Access to
enhance sustainable access and use.
Keywords: Open Access, Academic Libraries, Digital Literacy, Colleges of Education,
Nigeria
Publication Date: 2026-02-05