USES OF WHATSAPP FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES STUDENTS IN SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used social media platforms among students for academic and social purposes. This study assessed the uses of WhatsApp for Biological Sciences students in Sokoto, Sokoto State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from Biological Sciences students in Sokoto. Data were analysed using frequency tables, percentages and Chi-Square test. Results showed that the main uses of WhatsApp were accessing learning materials with 66 respondents (30.0%), personalized learning 41 (18.6%), socialization 40 (18.2%), group and peer learning 34 (15.5%), communication 26 (11.8%), and research 13 (5.9%). The Chi-Square test showed a significant difference in the uses (X2= 42.85, df = 5, p < 0.05). On advantages, cheap was the most reported with 148 respondents (68.5%), followed by instant 34 (15.7%), customized learning 20 (9.3%), and reduce paper use 14 (6.5%). The Chi-Square test showed a highly significant difference in the advantages (X2= 222.07, df = 3, p < 0.05). On challenges, erratic power supply was the major challenge reported by 113 respondents (56.5%), followed by poor network 42 (21.0%), distraction 24 (12.0%), and high cost of data 21 (10.5%). The Chi-Square test showed a highly significant difference in the challenges (X2= 111.00, df = 3, p < 0.05). The study concluded that WhatsApp is highly useful for Biological Sciences students in Sokoto, especially for accessing learning materials, personalized learning, group learning and communication, and it is preferred mainly because it is cheap and instant. However, its effective use is limited by erratic power supply, poor network, distraction and high cost of data. Improvement in power supply and network, provision of affordable data, and proper guidance on the use of WhatsApp for academic purposes were recommended.