Social Media as a form of Digital Tool(s) and Academic Performance of University Students in Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to access the use of social media as a form of digital tools on the academic performance of undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The paper reviews the actual impact of the use of social media with student’s classroom learning. The descriptive research design was utilized. Two hundred (200) undergraduate students purposively selected from eight faculties. The paper reveals that a great number of students are addicted to the use of social media and frequency use of social networks in digitalization tool becomes an integral part of the students’ development which has resulted in improving students’ academic performance. In conclusion, the paper reveals that the use of social media is part of digital tools that shaping and influencing how students lean and interact with their studies and also, with e-communication with peers this help a student to collaborate and discuss issues related to their academic studies. Social media have a dual impact on student achievement, and it is necessary to approach adolescents' use of social networks with ultimate positive responsibility. With the outcome of the findings, this paper recommends that the government and educational planners should improve the leisure, information exchange among learners, therefore, academic performance can be maintained. The researcher recommends that social media should be used for educational purposes as well, Social Networking Sites should be expanded and new pages should be created to enhance academic activities and avoid setbacks in the students’ academic performance.