Information Literacy on Fake-News Detection among Postgraduate Students across Selected Universities in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined how information literacy skills influence the ability of postgraduate students across selected universities in Ekiti-State, Nigeria, to detect fake news. In the light of the increasing spread of misinformation online, the study assessed how postgraduate students engage with digital literacy. The study adopted a survey research design, collecting data from 363 postgraduate students through structured questionnaires which were analyzed using frequency counts, percentage, mean scores, and inferential statistical techniques. Findings revealed a high level of fake news detection among the respondents, indicating their competence in identifying misleading or false information across digital. Postgraduate Students demonstrated strong ability to cross-check sources, use fact-checking tools, apply critical thinking, and recognize the societal impact of fake news. The study revealed there is a significant positive relationship between information literacy and fake news detection literacy (r = 0.399**, P < 0.05) digital literacy digital skills (r = 0.149**, P < 0.05), the study also revealed a significant positive relationship between digital skills and fake news detection, thereby indicating that information literacy and digital skills enhances the ability to identify misinformation. The study concludes that information literacy, digital skills and fake news detection recommends embedding structured media programs into postgraduate curricula.