DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The use of the internet and digital tools have become part of our lives in recent years as necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students use these digital tools extensively both in their school lessons and at their home to enhance their learning. Students’ intensive daily use of technology has increased the need for training them in a way to establish safe online communication and collaboration. Hence the need for bringing the concept of digital citizenship to the fore. This paper, therefore, provided an overview of the concept of digital citizenship education in the Nigerian context. This paper sheds light on the education of young learners on the concept of citizenship and how to use technologies appropriately. An overview of digital citizenship education in secondary and tertiary institutions was the focus and it was suggested that awareness training and orientation should be periodically organized for students and teachers on the concept of digital citizenship and the safe use of technology. Also, education policymakers in Nigeria should restructure the existing curricula to include technology-based practices to enhance students’ technological expertise and facilitate the appropriate use of technology as an effective learning tool.