Assessing the Impact of Unstable Internet Connectivity on Undergraduate Students' Academic Engagement in South-West Nigeria

Unstable internet connectivity seems to pose a significant challenge to undergraduate students’ academic engagement in Southwest Nigeria. This could in part hinder their ability to fully participate in online learning activities. Previous studies reveal unstable internet connectivity negatively impacts students’ academic engagement, reducing participation, performance, and access to resources, while increasing frustration and stress. Limited research exists on the impact of unstable internet connectivity on undergraduate students’ academic engagement in Southwest Nigeria. Hence, this study explored the impact of unstable internet connectivity on the academic engagement of undergraduate students in Southwest, Nigeria. The study is anchored by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), while descriptive survey research design was employed. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and University of Ibadan (UI) were purposively sampled, while Two-thousand and one hundred (2100) undergraduate students were sampled through simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistical tools comprised mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. The study found that internet cafes (mean = 2.61), smartphones with mobile data plans (mean = 2.61), and portable Wi-Fi hotspots (mean = 2.61) were relatively available and accessible to students. The study found that unstable internet connectivity significantly impacts undergraduate students’ attendance in virtual classes (mean=1.71), but they seem to have adapted to other academic challenges, disagreeing that internet issues affect their assignment submissions (mean=3.89), online research (mean=3.88), access to lecture notes (mean=3.87), grades (mean=3.83), project deadlines (mean=3.65), and overall academic performance (mean=3.68). The study found that undergraduate students employ various strategies to cope with unstable internet connectivity, including downloading study materials for offline access (2.94), working during off-peak hours (2.94), using on campus computer labs (2.94), accessing essential resources in advance (2.84), collaborating with peers (2.84), and using lightweight apps (2.83), among others, to maintain academic productivity despite internet challenges. The study concludes that despite unstable internet connectivity impacting virtual class attendance, undergraduate students have adapted by leveraging accessible alternatives and employing various coping strategies to maintain academic productivity. Universities should invest in improving internet infrastructure and providing stable connectivity to support students’ academic needs, particularly for virtual classes.