Salisu Garba, Nasir Faruk, Emmanuel Alozie, Hawau Olagunju, Bashir Abdullahi Baba, Yusuf Olayinka Imam-Fulani and Abdulkadir Idris Ahmed

Keywords: Digital skills; digital awareness; Sule Lamido University; digital literacy; digital tools.

Abstract

In light of the rapid advancement of technological innovations, the imperative for digital skills awareness and acquisition, especially within the educational sector, has become increasingly crucial. Digital literacy stands as a prerequisite at all levels of higher education, constituting a vital element in successful professionalization. However, these skills are diverse and subject to change based on technological and societal developments. This research aims to investigate the digital skills and awareness levels of digital technologies among students at Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, Nigeria through a quantitative research approach and convenience sampling method. A total of 321 students participated in the survey. The results derived from the data analysis showed a commendable proficiency among students in owning and utilizing digital gadgets, expressing a considerable level of cybersecurity awareness and threat issues, and acknowledging the significance of digital skills such as the ability to manage digital files and use communication and collaboration tools such Zoom and Moodle in their studies. Moreover, the research highlights opportunities for further improvement on how students should continue to safeguard their information when going online should also be undertaken regularly to counter new threats, providing insights that can be leveraged by the management to enhance digital literacy and foster awareness among students.