Examining the Relationship Between ICT Self-Efficacy and Online Learning Performance Among Secondary School Students in Borno State, North East Nigeria

ICT self-efficacy is a critical psychological determinant of students' capacity to engage effectively with digital learning tools, and its relationship with online learning performance in conflict-affected North East Nigerian educational contexts requires analytical investigation. This study examines the relationship between ICT self-efficacy and online learning performance among secondary school students in Borno State. A cross-sectional analytical survey was applied to 310 senior secondary students from twelve schools across Maiduguri and Biu that had maintained partial online learning programmes, selected through stratified cluster sampling. The Computer Self-Efficacy Scale adapted for secondary students measured ICT self-efficacy dimensions: basic computer operations, internet navigation, and educational software use. Online learning performance was measured through learning management system engagement metrics and online assessment scores. Structural equation modelling in AMOS tested a moderated mediation model with study persistence as a mediator and teacher facilitation as a moderator. Available ICT self-efficacy literature from North East Nigerian students identifies trauma-related psychological distress as an additional variable reducing the typically positive self-efficacy-performance relationship. The Social Cognitive Theory by Bandura and the Self-Determination Theory provide the analytical framework. Findings confirm that ICT self-efficacy predicts online performance indirectly through study persistence, with teacher facilitation significantly strengthening this indirect effect. The study fills a gap in self-efficacy-online learning research specific to conflict-affected northern Nigerian students. Recommendations address trauma-informed ICT skills training and teacher facilitation development. Keywords: ICT self-efficacy, online learning, Borno State, North East Nigeria, secondary students.