CHALLENGES TO INFORMATION ACCESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SOCIO-POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS BY YOUTHS IN UNIVERSITIES IN NORTHWEST STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges faced by university youths in Nigeria's northwest states in accessing information and participating in socio-political discussions on social media platforms. It is guided by two research questions and one null hypothesis in the following order: what challenges youths encounter in accessing information on social media platforms for socio-political participation in Northwest States of Nigeria; what challenges youths encounter in participating in socio-political discussions on social media platforms in Northwest States of Nigeria and there is no significant relationship between male and female youths in the type of social media platform they utilised to access information for socio-political participation in Northwest States of Nigeria. Using a quantitative methodology and a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 338 respondents across four public universities: Ahmadu Bello University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Kaduna State University, and Umaru Musa Yar’adua University. The data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC). Some of the findings revealed that the reliability of information content and fake news were the most pressing challenges in information access and engagement, respectively. Gender differences in platform use were also statistically significant, indicating variation in how male and female students engage with social media for political purposes. The study recommends integrating Media and Information Literacy (MIL) into university curricula, organising regular digital safety workshops, and developing gender-sensitive engagement strategies. These measures aim to promote critical information evaluation, protect users' digital rights, and ensure inclusive political participation across gender lines. By addressing these multifaceted challenges, stakeholders can enhance the role of social media as a democratic tool for youth engagement in Nigeria’s political landscape.