Purpose: The use of social networking in teaching and learning in higher institutions nowadays is crucial essential especially in this time technological advancement and during this time of pandemic. This study therefore is an investigation into the academic use of social networks among undergraduates in federal universities in south east Nigeria. 

Design/methodology:  The researcher used descriptive survey design which was considered most appropriate for this study.  The sample size was 400 undergraduate students from three of the five federal universities in South East Nigeria.  Multi-stage sampling technique involving purposive and proportionate stratified sampling technique was used. 

Findings:   The research work found out of the twenty social networks listed, only Facebook and Googleplus wer the ones utilized by undergraduates and out of two students make use of Facebook for achieving specific academic purposes.  It was also found out that students’ engagement with social networks increases technology proficiency and enhances research skills. The major problems that hinder academic use of social network include slow internet, poor time management and lack of personal computers. 

Originality: The importance of this study now in developing countries is crucial especially in this period of pandemic, learning, studies and research should have continue online with the use of social media and thereby not wasting the period. Based on this universities in federal universities in South East Nigeria should create adequate awareness to their students on the available social networks that can be used for academic purposes; social networks should become a seamless part of the curriculum and not just an additional means of communication. 

Practical implications: Faculty members in every university should see the benefits of involving social networking in teaching, learning and doing research in higher Institutions. If it has become part of our curriculum we would have now continue with our learning and research during this pandemic.

Research limitations: The data collected does not cover the whole country, yet the benefit of utilizing social networking in teaching is crucial to every country. It is necessary that developing countries should include social media as part of their curriculum.