Information Literacy Skills and Academic Performance Among University Students: A Quantitative Investigation in Nigerian Higher Education Institutions

Musa Dumbari Yakubu; Uwagwe Obigho Christopher

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no9.2026.pg90.103

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Information Literacy Skills and Academic Performance Among University Students: A Quantitative Investigation in Nigerian Higher Education Institutions

Musa Dumbari Yakubu, Uwagwe Obigho Christopher

Abstract

Information literacy is increasingly recognized as essential for academic success in the digital age. This quantitative study examines the relationship between information literacy skills and academic performance among 385 university students across three Nigerian federal universities. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through a validated Information Literacy Skills Scale (α = 0.892) and academic performance metrics (GPA and examination scores). Findings reveal significant positive correlations between overall information literacy and academic performance (r = 0.687, p < 0.001), with information evaluation skills (r = 0.643) and information search skills (r = 0.589) being the strongest predictors. Multiple regression analysis indicates information literacy skills collectively explain 48.2% of the variance in academic performance (R2 = 0.482, p < 0.001). Significant differences emerged based on year of study, with final-year students demonstrating substantially higher information literacy proficiency. Conversely, gender differences were minimal. These findings underscore the critical importance of systematic information literacy instruction within university curricula and library- integrated interventions. Implications for university administration, academic librarians, faculty, and policymakers are discussed. This study contributes to understanding information literacy role in academic success within the African context, addressing a significant research gap in the Global South.

Keywords

Information literacyacademic performanceuniversity studentsinformation skillsdigital literacyhigher educationNigeria

References

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Information Literacy Skills and Academic Performance Among University Students: A Quantitative Investigation in Nigerian Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Keywords

References

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