USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES IN PROMOTING ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OFFA.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the use of social networking sites (SNSs) in promoting academic activities at the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State. Social networking platforms have become vital tools for communication, collaboration, and information sharing in higher education, offering opportunities to enhance teaching, learning, and research. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, targeting students and lecturers across selected departments. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the types of SVSs used, the extent of their application for academic purposes, perceived benefits, and associated challenges. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram were the most commonly used for disseminating academic information, organizing group discussions, sharing study materials, and providing timely updates on departmental activities. Respondents acknowledged the effectiveness of NSs in fostering collaboration, improving access to information, and enhancing academic engagement. However, issues such as distraction fromnon-academic misinformation, and data costs were identified as limiting factors. The study concludes that social networking sites play a significant role in promoting academic activities at the institution. It recommends structured integration of SVSs into academic communication strategies, digital literacy training for users, and the adoption of moderated academic groups to maximize benefits while minimizing drawbacks. Keywords: Social networking sites, academic activities, Federal Polytechnic Offa, online collaboration.