Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between electronic banking (e-banking) and economic growth has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Selected Public Universities in Nigeria where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Selected Public Universities in Nigeria, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of electronic banking (e-banking) on economic growth, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite a growing body of literature on electronic banking (e-banking), there remains limited consensus on the precise nature of its relationship with economic growth, particularly within Selected Public Universities in Nigeria. Many organizations continue to make decisions about electronic banking (e-banking) without a clear, evidence-based understanding of how those decisions ultimately affect economic growth. This gap between practice and empirical understanding is the central problem this study seeks to address.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Electronic Banking (E-Banking) on economic growth in Selected Public Universities in Nigeria.
2. To assess the extent to which electronic banking (e-banking) influences economic growth within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with electronic banking (e-banking) in relation to economic growth.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing electronic banking (e-banking) in order to improve economic growth.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of electronic banking (e-banking) on economic growth in Selected Public Universities in Nigeria?
2. To what extent does electronic banking (e-banking) influence economic growth within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with electronic banking (e-banking) in relation to economic growth?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize electronic banking (e-banking) in order to improve economic growth?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around economic growth. For managers and practitioners within Selected Public Universities in Nigeria, the study provides practical insight into how electronic banking (e-banking) can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on finance / banking by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Electronic Banking (E-Banking) and its relationship with economic growth within the context of Selected Public Universities in Nigeria. It reflects a BSc-level scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.