Social networking and study patterns among students of agriculture in Nigerian universities

Abstract

The study focused on how students in universities in Nigeria, particularly students studying agriculture rationed their time between social networking and studying. The study reported the social networking and studying patterns among students and the frequent activities they engage in while on social networks. The survey study had a population of 2052 and a sample of 996 respondents. Findings of the study revealed competitive patterns of social networking and study periods, the average hours spent daily and the most preferred time for studying and social networking as influenced by gender, location and religion. Findings further revealed that students are inclined to using social networks for non-academic purposes. The study recommended the adoption of social networks in pedagogy to balance students’ socialising time with e-studying.

Keywords:

• Social networking
• gender
• religion
• study pattern
• university students

Acknowledgement

The researchers appreciate our colleagues at ResearchGate who validated the instrument, and Emeritus Prof. S. O. Olaitan of the Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for his intellectual contributions to this study.