Artificial Intelligence-enabled Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Skills for Enhanced Knowledge Acquisition and Sharing of University Students in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract 
This study investigated the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced Media and Information 
Literacy (MIL) skills in improving knowledge acquisition and sharing among university 
students in South-South Nigeria. Guided by three research questions and three hypotheses, the 
study employed a descriptive survey design. A multistage sampling procedure yielded 455 
students, and data were collected using a structured, expert-validated questionnaire. Reliability 
testing using the Cronbach Alpha method produced a coefficient of 0.883, confirming strong 
internal consistency. Of the 455 questionnaires distributed, 447 were completed and analyzed. 
Data were examined using mean and t-test statistics. Findings revealed that students require 16 
key skills for effectively searching and locating media and information content, 15 AI-driven 
skills for creating and producing new content, 10 skills for disseminating information online, 
and 11 skills for observing ethical and legal standards in media use. These competencies 
collectively enhance students' capacity for knowledge acquisition and sharing in an AI-driven 
information environment. The study recommends strengthening the teaching and integration 
of AI-enabled MIL skills in university curricula to improve students’ performance in 
knowledge acquisition, content creation, and information sharing.