Knowledge and Use of Research Databases Among Final Year Students of Bayero University Kano

This study investigated the knowledge and use of research databases among final-year undergraduate students at Bayero University, Kano, in Kano State, North West Nigeria. Research databases are central to evidence-based academic inquiry, providing access to peer-reviewed literature that underpins quality final-year project work. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from 300 final-year students across four faculties using a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that awareness of specific databases was generally low, with Google Scholar being the most widely known and used resource. Fewer than twenty percent of respondents had used specialised databases such as JSTOR, Scopus, or African Journals Online in the preceding semester. The study found that inadequate library instruction and limited awareness of subscription databases contributed to this pattern. The study recommended that the library integrate database training sessions into the final-year project supervisory process, create faculty-specific research guides, and advertise subscribed database resources through targeted digital campaigns. Keywords: research databases, final-year students, Bayero University Kano, information literacy, academic research.