EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN BAUCHI STATE UNIVERSITY. Shitu Abdullahi Lame 1 , Aminu Saeed Haruna 2 , Okesola Toyin Mary 3 1, 2 & 3 Department of Computer Science, A.D Rufa’i CLIS- Misau, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Abstract Social media has been one of the most widely used platforms for communication especially amidst higher institution students. Hence, this research work is to find out the negative and positive impacts of social media on the academic performance of students in Bauchi State University. The study made use of questionnaires using the convenient sampling method technique which was used to select a sample of 100 students across all levels of study within the Faculty. The data were analysed using percentage and frequency to answer the research questions and test the hypothesis respectively. The findings show that the student have access to social media and that their exposure to social media is to a very great extent and this contribute positively to their academic performance. Therefore, the finding recommends that Students should be monitored by teachers and parents on how they use social media. This is to create a balance between social media and academic activities of students to avoid setbacks in their academic performance. Keywords: ICT, social media, academic performance, students, negative and positive effects. 1. Introduction The world is today celebrating the developments in communication technology which has broadened the scope of communication through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Ufuophu and Ayobami (2012:129) enumerate that the ICTs include internet, satellite, cable data transmission and computer assisted equipment. Modern Technology in communication no doubt has turned the entire world into a “Global village”. It helps people to be better informed, enlightened, and keeping abreast with world developments. Technology exposes mankind to a better way of getting connected to friends and family at all times. But as it is, technology bring with it both negative and positive sides. Bauchi State University Gadau Bauchi State University Gadau (BASUG) is located in Bauchi State in Nigeria. Its main campus is in Gadau and comprises the Faculty of Sciences & Arts, with other campuses in Misau (faculty of Law) and Bauchi (Faculty of Social & Management) respectively. 1 | Page