INFLUENCE OF SOCIALMEDIA UTILIZATION ON INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AMONG STUDENTS OF SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, OFFA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT This study examined the influence of social media utilization on information dissemination among students of School of Applied Science and Technology (SAS&T), Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria. Five research questions and five objectives were used to guide the study. The study employed survey research method. The population consisted of eight hundred and eighteen (818) HND II student of School of Applied Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State. Proportionate sampling techniques was used to select (20%) from the total population. Structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from the respondents. Simple frequency tables, percentage, graph and statistical analysis precisely SPSS were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that Facebook was the major social media use by students of School of Applied Science. Social media tools were use to a great extent for information dissemination and were primarily used to engaged in academic chats and facilitate learning. Findings showed that social media provided up-to-date information within the school. Social media can be used to reach large audience as the major influence of social media utilization on information dissemination. Findings revealed that poor internet connectivity is the main challenges encountered by students while using social media for information dissemination. Based findings, it was recommended that management of the institution should provide alternative power supply for regular supply of power in the library. Sufficient funding should be provided to the library. Keyword: Information Dissemination, Internet, Social media, SPSS Student, Tertiary Schools.