EFFECTS OF WHATSAPP PLATFORM ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN CHEMISTRY STUDENTS IN DEKINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI ST

Abstract This study investigated the effects of the WhatsApp platform on the academic performance of senior secondary school chemistry students in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. The study aimed to determine the extent to which WhatsApp influences students’ learning outcomes, communication, collaboration, and academic achievement in Chemistry. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised senior secondary school students offering Chemistry in selected secondary schools within the study area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that WhatsApp serves as an effective platform for sharing educational materials, facilitating communication between students and teachers, promoting collaborative learning, and improving students’ understanding of Chemistry concepts. However, excessive use of WhatsApp for non-academic activities was found to negatively affect students’ concentration and study time. The study concluded that when properly utilized, WhatsApp can enhance students’ academic performance in Chemistry. It was therefore recommended that teachers integrate WhatsApp into instructional activities and that students use the platform responsibly to maximize its educational benefits while minimizing distractions.