PurposeThe study aims to investigate the academic libraries' response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA survey research design was employed for the study. The population of the study was all the 584 approved academic institutions in Nigeria. A structured questionnaire administered online was designed to collect data with Google Form from heads of library (who are the chief principal officer) in all the academic institutions. The link to the survey was sent to the Nigeria Library Association (NLA) Online Forum, the platform on which Nigerian librarians fete and discuss issues relating to the profession. Social media tools such as WhatsApp and Telegram belonging to groups of academic librarians in Nigeria were also employed. The heads of the library from 108 academic libraries responded to the survey. The data generated were analyzed using a statistical tool and presented in tables.FindingsThe finding reveals that nearly all the students are not on campus since they have been directed to vacate their campus as a result of the lockdown. The study reveals some safety measures that were put in place by the libraries in Nigeria to include total closure of the library (59.3%), provision of hand sanitizer (55.6%) and the use of face mask and nose covers by library users (31.9%). The finding further indicates social distancing measures also put in place to include communication done via social media (59.3%), attendance to patrons (51.9%), class/lecture (51.9%), training/conferences (37%) and paper presentations (37%) that are all canceled, respectively. On access to library materials, a majority (87.96%) of the academic libraries in Nigeria provide only online materials to their users, while 9.26% of the academic libraries provide access to both prints and online materials.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper will contribute to the body of literature on academic libraries' response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and beyond.Practical implicationsWhile the disease is still very much with the world, libraries have to continue providing information resources in support of the research studies and sensitize the world on the measures to take to curtail the pandemic.Originality/valueThe results can help other libraries find ways and means to adjust services, so that they can still meet the needs of users in this pandemic.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of social media for academic practices by science students of public universities in Southwest Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive design was used for the study. Research instrument used was questionnaire where 140 copies were administered to science students, using purposive sampling technique. Three institutions in southwest of Nigeria were selected for the study. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to students in their lecture rooms and laboratories during practical classes with the permission and assistance of their lecturers. The data collected were analysed using frequency and simple percentage. Findings – The results reveal that among the various social media networks available, Facebook (93.48 per cent) is the most recognized and most famous, followed by Google+ (63.77 per cent) and Twitter (47.83 per cent). Two-third of the students make use of social media daily to remain up-to-date with trending events/news and to occupy free time when they are bored, among other reasons. The findings show that Google+ (52.17 per cent) is the most beneficial social media network followed by Facebook (29.7 per cent) and Wikia (23.91 per cent). Most of the science students are knowledgeable in the usage and application of social media, while majority of them considered poor Internet connectivity, receiving of unwanted messages/pictures and electricity failure as the leading problems encountered while using social media. Originality/value – The study was necessary to identify the use and application of social media by science students in public universities in Southwest Nigeria.

Purpose – This study aims to look at the use of mobile devices by science students with emphasis only on privately owned universities in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive research design was used, as the study was a survey research. Eighty copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to collect data from science students in advanced levels of their undergraduate programmes in Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) and Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) Ikeji-Arakeji, in their lecture halls and laboratories with the permission and assistance of their lecturers. The data were collected within a period of five weeks. All the administered questionnaire were correctly filled and returned, yielding a 100 per cent return rate. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics which includes frequency and percentage presented in tables and charts. Findings – The study found that science students in the selected private universities mostly (83.7 per cent) use smartphones than other mobile devices. Also, the students own mobile devices for the purpose of using educational applications (77.50 per cent) and to chat with people (72.50 per cent). The students use the Internet on their devices very often. The Internet facilities mostly used by the students are e-mails (71.25 per cent), social media (68.75 per cent) and search engines (60.50 per cent). The challenges mostly faced by the students using mobile devices for academic practices are poor Internet connectivity (81.25 per cent) and high cost of data subscription (53.75 per cent). Practical implications – Given the knowledge gained from this study, it is desired that universities across Nigeria would encourage the integration of the use of mobile devices into core educational programmes. Also, mobile data service providers need to reduce the cost of data subscription, especially on campuses for students. Moreover, owners of private universities should ensure the provision of good Internet connectivity for mobile devices campus-wide. Free and accessible Wi-Fi hot spots should be created for students. Social implications – Policy makers in the country should encourage mobile data service providers to reduce cost of data subscription on university campuses so as to enable students enjoy to the fullest the numerous features of mobile devices for academic practices. Originality/value – Research on the use of mobile devices for academic practices by students is somewhat new in Nigeria more so that privately owned universities are in focus. The study has therefore opened the floor for more in-depth studies on the subject now that mobile devices should be seen as tools rather than fanciful gadgets.

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