35 Exploring Strategies for Effective Integration of Information and Communication Technology for Teaching in Colleges of Education in North-East, Nigeria Alhaji Idi Babate & Ali Garba Jakwa Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria ABSTRACT Integrating the utilization of ICT in teaching and learning is very important, for lecturers to improve on the technological and pedagogical knowledge to teaching ICT in Education. ICT utilization enhances student educational conception. This study identified some of the literature that discusses on the perceived barriers to ICT integration and utilization in education. The findings showed that lecturers had a strong desire to adopt the utilization of ICT in classroom; but encountered barriers such as lack of confidence, competence, and lack of access to technical assistance on new emerging ICT technology. Bridging these identified barriers make it pertinent for institutions to provide professional development training as well as appointing a well-trained technical assistance for effective coordination. However, providing all the required ICT support enhances the workability of excellent ICT integration and utilization. The study concludes with some identified recommendations that when taken might serve as a catalyst toward achieving ICT integration in colleges of Education of the North-Eastern Nigeria. Keywords: ICT integration, instructional delivery, learning INTRODUCTION There is widespread interest on the use of technology for teaching in all institutions of learning in Nigeria (Afshari, et al., 2009). Emerging technology brought out the idea of integrating ICT in teaching and learning in Nigeria (Gabriel et al., 2014). This development which ICT provide to higher institution can be seen through accessibility to quality learning and how teachers make use of it for instructional delivery. Authenticity of ICT integration can only be ascertained when teachers possess the competency to apply ICT in their teaching as to improve the presentation of the learning process (Gabriel, et al. 2014). It is pertinent to know that in this era of new technology, ICT facilities are tools necessarily needed for training of modern teachers. ICT is considered as one of the cornerstones for improving the educational system, hence the use of ICT in teacher educational institutions deserve to be given due consideration and priority, because it plays a greater role for developing prospective teachers in Nigeria (Onwuagboke, et al, 2014). In the preparation of teachers at all levels of our educational system in Nigeria, ICT has a lot to offer in this direction. However, the usage of ICT in facilitating teacher education is still a myriad in Nigeria as many of the lecturers are not ICT literate and those under training in Colleges of Education, Institutes of Education and Faculties of Education in Nigerian universities are not fully exposed to the use of ICT in the acquisition of skills and practical teaching (Owolabi, et al., 2013). Nigeria as a developing nation is getting stronger but one “important index of strength is the quality of education provided to her citizenry” (Seweje, 2006). Now adays mostly every aspect of education in developing countries were ICT driven. The education sector in this aspect of technology still lacks behind. However, lots of energy are being International Journal of Innovative Information Systems & Technology Research 9(1):35-45 Jan.-Mar., 2021 © SEAHI PUBLICATIONS, 2021 www.seahipaj.org ISSN: 2467-8562