The Effects of Internet Usage on Political Information Efficacy among the 18-24- year-old Students at Ilorin

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of Internet usage on political information efficacy of 18-24-year-olds students at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Survey data were collected from 300 respondents with 87% response rate. Findings indicated that the majority 221(63.14%) of the respondents were skilled in word processor but were lacking other computer software skills. The majority 307(87.71%) of respondents were skillful e-mail users while another majority 173(49.42%) have internet access 1-3hr / week. PCA yielded three factors: political information efficacy, political mobilization, and political participation, while ANOVA revealed the effects of gender and area of specialization on the political information efficacy and political participation, but no effects on political mobilistion. The paper concludes that many Nigerian youth are aware of the internet usage, but they haven’t the hardware, skills, and adequate access to the Internet.