Strategies For Enhancing Academic Usage Of Social Media Among Students As Expressed By Professional Counsellors In Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract

In this 21^st century, negative use of social media among Nigerian students has been a source of concerns to education stakeholders. In view of this, this study investigated strategies for enhancing academic usage of social media as expressed by professional counsellors in Ilorin metropolis. The influence of demographic variables of gender and work experience were also examined on respondents’ view. The study was a descriptive survey design. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 210 counsellors; however, 204 questionnaire forms were valid for data analysis. Data were collected using a researcher-designed instrument entitled “Strategies for Enhancing Academic Usage of Social Media Questionnaire”. The instrument has a test re-test reliability coefficient of 0.85. The hypotheses were tested using a Factor Analysis and 2-way Analysis of Variance at 0.05 alpha level. The findings revealed that academic usage of social media can be encouraged among Nigerian students by encouraging them to review their online activities in relevance to their level of educational achievement; establishing a well equipped e-library in the school system; and passing instruction to students through technological gadget in order to arouse their interest towards social media for academic purpose. It was recommended therefore that education stakeholders should help students in improving the amount of time spent on social media to accomplish their academic tasks among others.