Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the influence of social media platforms on the academic engagement of NCE students at Aminu Saleh College of Education Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria. The research employed a survey design, utilizing a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. A sample of 200 NCE students from across different levels and schools within the college was randomly selected to participate in the study. The two research questions were answered using mean standard deviations, while the hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistics. The findings revealed a complex interplay between social media use and academic engagement. While students acknowledged the potential educational benefits of social media platforms and their value for communication and collaborative learning, excessive or improper use was found to have detrimental effects on academic engagement. Addiction to online social media, disproportionate time spent on these platforms compared to studying, and potential distractions from studying were identified as significant challenges. However, the study also highlighted the potential of social media to facilitate academic discussions and engagements, access educational resources, and develop social skills. Recommendations were made to implement digital literacy training, establish clear usage policies, invest in technological infrastructure, explore innovative pedagogical approaches, and provide support systems to address issues such as addiction and time management. Overall, the study emphasized the need for a balanced approach to integrating social media into the academic sphere while mitigating potential risks and fostering responsible and effective use.