Year: 2026 | Month: February | Volume: 13 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 347-356
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260234
Digital Citizenship Education: Literacy Strengths and Security Gaps in Higher Institutions in Rivers State
Agbarakwe, Harriet Akudo1, Attih, Juliana Asuquo2
1,2Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt
Corresponding Author: Agbarakwe, Harriet Akudo
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the level of digital literacy among students in universities in Rivers State. Three research questions and corresponding hypotheses guided the inquiry in line with the study’s objectives. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 8,761 undergraduate students across three public universities, from which a sample of 2,137 was selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected with a researcher-designed instrument titled Assessment of Digital Citizenship Education Literacy Strengths and Security Gaps Questionnaire (ADCELSSGQ). The instrument was validated by three experts, and its overall reliability coefficient, determined using Cronbach’s Alpha, was 0.91. Research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while hypotheses were tested with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that students in universities in Rivers State have substantial access to digital technologies and exhibit digital citizenship behaviors to a high extent. Results further established that students demonstrate strong digital literacy and possess digital communication skills necessary for effective digital citizenship. The study concluded that equitable access is central to digital citizenship, underscoring the need for institutional improvements in infrastructure, e-library utilization, and pedagogical training. Situated within existing literature, the study advocates for policies that foster inclusive digital integration in higher education. Among its recommendations, lecturers and educators are encouraged to pursue professional development in digital literacy to align their competencies with the high proficiency already demonstrated by students.
Keywords: Digital citizenship, education, digital literacy, security gaps, higher institutions.
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