NIJ Students Turn to Social Media for Study Support Amid Rising Data Costs

By Bilesanmi Itunuoluwa 


Students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) are increasingly turning to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and TikTok for academic support, despite rising internet data costs in Nigeria.

Interviews with several undergraduates revealed that group chats and short educational videos have become informal learning hubs, often replacing traditional library visits

“WhatsApp study groups have helped me more than any textbook this semester,” said Akinwunmi Islamiat, a second-year student. “But the problem is that data subscription now takes almost half of my monthly allowance.”

Nigeria has seen a 20% increase in mobile data tariffs since early 2025, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), raising concerns about the affordability of online learning.

Lecturers, however, expressed mixed reactions. While some welcome the creativity of students using YouTube tutorials and Instagram reels for academic purposes, others fear misinformation.

“The danger is that unverified content is easily shared as fact,” said Aro Omolara , a final year student . “Students must learn to cross-check before relying on posts.”

Analysts argue that this trend reflects a broader shift in African education, where students blend formal classroom learning with digital self-study. A 2024 report by UNESCO highlighted that nearly 60% of young Africans now use social platforms for academic discussions.

As data prices continue to rise, students say they will keep relying on cheaper night plans and Wi-Fi hotspots to keep their academic “digital campuses” alive.


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