Information System Development Methodologies

This paper provides preliminary results of INDEHELA-M, a joint Finnish-Nigerian project undertaken by a prominent Nigerian software development company. The main objectives of the project are to produce empirical information and understanding of the practice and problems of information systems development (ISD) in Nigeria, and to facilitate Nigerian ISD practitioners by improved methods, techniques, practices, and education, according to their needs. Gender participation in ISD was also introduced to study the methodologies employed in ISD projects and the effect (if any) on gender participation and/or access to information technology and create gender balance awareness in Software Development Companies in Nigeria. This was to take stock and understand the factors that lead to gender segregation within information technology (IT). Despite the remarkable increase in the percentage of girls’ access to education, we found that women are not present or have been assigned a marginal role in ISD projects. This paper highlights gender trends in IT education in Nigeria and identifies gender disparity in the Information System Development methodologies employed. We also documented female access to IT. The paper concludes by proposing that the way forward for women is active participation in IT in Nigeria as a proxy for other countries given the same socio-economic environment.