INTEGRATING DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION INTO UNIVERSITY POLICY FRAMEWORKS FOR GEN Z LEARNERS IN NIGERIA

The rapid digitalization of higher education has transformed how students learn, communicate, and engage with information. For Generation Z learners in Nigeria, who are deeply immersed in digital environments, the need for structured digital citizenship education has become critical. This paper examines the integration of digital citizenship education into university policy frameworks in Nigeria, with emphasis on responsible social media use, online ethics, misinformation, and digital rights. Drawing from contemporary literature, the study highlights the relevance of digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and ethical engagement in fostering responsible digital behavior. It also explores institutional challenges such as policy gaps, infrastructural limitations, and lack of coordinated frameworks. The paper argues that embedding digital citizenship into university policies will enhance students’ critical thinking, ethical awareness, and participation in digital society. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and educational leaders to develop comprehensive, inclusive, and adaptive policy frameworks that align with the needs of Gen Z learners in Nigeria