Research Article

SOCIAL NETWORKING AS A SOURCE OF LITERACY DEVELOPMENT AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA

Jamilu SANI1*, Sadiq MOHAMMAD,2, Umma Jummai ZAKAR1, Abdullahi Muhammad JIBRIL3
1 Department of English, Jigawa State College of Education, PMB 1002, Gumel, Jigawa State
2 Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
3 Department of Early Childhood Care and Education, Niger State College of Education, Minna
* Corresponding author: Jamilusanimakama@gmail.com
Published: Jun, 2025
Pages: 9-16
Views: 30
Downloads: 11

Abstract

This paper investigated the impacts of social networking as a source of literacy development among out-ofschoolchildren in Nigeria. In doing this, literature relevant to out-of-school children in Nigeria and socialnetworking was reviewed, within which the essence of the present investigation was underpinned. Again,reasons were advanced concerning the increasing out-of-school population in Nigeria. Then, the paper furtherhighlighted literacy development in the context of social networking on the basis of previous empirical claims,thereby establishing the positive impacts of social networking on learners’ literacy development, involving bothin-school and out-of-school children. Finally, the paper explored specific functional social networking facetsthat could bridge literacy gaps among out-of-school children, such as via the potentials of such technologies toeducational resources; potentials to provide literacy practice and feedback; the potentials to provide socialsupport and motivation; and the potentials to provide personalised learning and adaptability. Based on theseaccounts, it was concluded that social networking could be a valuable tool for bridging literacy deficits amongthe out-of-school population in Nigeria.

Keywords

Social Networking Literacy development Out- of -School Children

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How to Cite

SANI, J., MOHAMMAD,, S., ZAKAR, U. J., & JIBRIL, A. M. (2025). SOCIAL NETWORKING AS A SOURCE OF LITERACY DEVELOPMENT AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 20(1), 9-16.

J. SANI, S. MOHAMMAD,, U. J. ZAKAR, and A. M. JIBRIL, "SOCIAL NETWORKING AS A SOURCE OF LITERACY DEVELOPMENT AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 9-16, June 2025.

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