Fake News on Campus: How Social Media Rumours Mislead Students
By Boluwatife Adetayo
Rumours spread faster than facts on Nigerian campuses, as students frequently fall victim to misleading social media posts that stir panic and confusion.
From exam dates to campus policies, false information circulates widely, leaving many individuals anxious and misinformed.
University authorities are now struggling to curb the spread while simultaneously educating students on the importance of verifying facts before sharing them online.
Students report receiving incorrect exam schedules on WhatsApp groups, misleading announcements about fee hikes, and fake updates on campus closures.
Many admit they shared these posts without checking their accuracy, directly contributing to the digital chaos.
The impact is clear: students feel anxious, waste valuable time chasing false information, and sometimes develop a distrust for official university communication.
"It’s stressful when you don’t know what’s true anymore”
