Gender’s impact on undergraduates' digital and internet literacies at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Digital and internet literacies have become a vital requirement for university education. This study investigatestheimpact of gender on undergraduates' digital and internet literacies at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. The survey research design was utilised for the study. The population of the study consisted of all undergraduates in the federal university Oye-Ekiti, while 196 undergraduates were randomly selected. Two research instruments: the Internet Literacy Scale (α=0.82), and the Undergraduates’ Digital Literacy Scale (α=0.78) were used for data collection. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings reveal high levels of digital and internet literacies among undergraduates, and that undergraduates' gender has a negative impact on their digital and internet literacies. The study recommends that digital devices be made easily available and af ordable to university students; internet services and facilities be procured and made freely accessible to all university students, especially within the university campuses; education stakeholders should support and adequately fund the university's digital and internet programmes.The study has implied the need for addressing gender disparities in digital and internet literacies in university settings.