EFFECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES FOR CULTIVATING INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS IN NIGERIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This paper critically examines effective strategies for teaching information literacy (IL) in Nigerian higher education institutions and explores pedagogical approaches that can enhance students' IL competencies. IL is essential for academic success, career readiness, and meaningful civic participation, yet studies show that
many students in Nigeria lack adequate IL skills. To address this gap, the paper reviews best-practice instructional strategies, including active learning, curriculum integration, online tutorials, and standalone IL programmes. It also outlines practical classroom activities such as information search tasks, article and website evaluation, annotated bibliographies, and citation exercises, which foster critical thinking and ethical information use. The paper highlights the collaborative role of librarians and faculty in embedding IL into subject-specific curricula. It further provides a framework for assessing IL initiatives and explores future directions for sustainable IL integration in Nigerian higher education. By adopting these strategies, Nigerian universities can better prepare students to navigate the complex information landscape of the 21st century.