Background Strongyloidiasis, caused by Strongyloides spp ., is a neglected tropical disease with significant but underreported public health impact. In Ghana, particularly in the Volta and Oti regions, data on prevalence is limited due to inadequate surveillance and low sensitivity diagnostics. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed 1,392 archived human stool samples from seven communities across three districts (Adaklu, Hohoe, Nkwanta North). Samples were pooled (up to 10 per pool) for DNA extraction and PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Positive pools were unpooled for individual testing. Results Overall pooled prevalence was 7.2% (95% CI: 5.5–9.3), while individual prevalence was 18.5% (95% CI: 16.5–20.6), with notable variation across communities. Lancha (27.9%) and Dawanu (27.4%) showed the highest rates. Logistic regression found no significant associations with sex, age, or district. Conclusion The pooling strategy proved sensitive and resource efficient, supporting its use in Strongyloides surveillance. This study highlights the need for sensitive diagnostics and integrated surveillance to guide targeted public health interventions.

Strongyloidiasis, caused by Strongyloides spp., is a neglected tropical disease with significant but underreported public health impact. In Ghana, particularly in the Volta and Oti regions, data on prevalence is limited due to inadequate surveillance and low sensitivity diagnostics. This cross-sectional study analyzed 1,392 archived human stool samples from seven communities across three districts (Adaklu, Hohoe, Nkwanta North). Samples were pooled (up to 10 samples per pool) for DNA extraction and PCR targeting the 18 S rRNA gene. Samples from positive pools were tested individually. Overall pooled prevalence was 7.2

Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria is primarily driven by parasite sequestration in deep vascular tissues. Standard diagnostic tools, such as peripheral parasitaemia determination, do not always reflect the total parasite burden. Plasma Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (PfHRP2) level has emerged as a potential biomarker for estimating total parasite biomass, which may better reflect disease severity than peripheral parasitaemia. However, it is still unclear how PfHRP2-estimated parasite biomass varies across different clinical malaria syndromes, how well it predicts severity compared to circulating parasitaemia, and how prior antimalarial treatment influences these measures. Addressing these gaps is critical to improving severity assessment and guiding timely interventions. Data from 118 children diagnosed with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 58), severe malaria anaemia (SMA, n = 28), or uncomplicated malaria (UM, n = 32) were collected in five referral hospitals in Accra from 2012 to 2016. Total parasite burden (PTot) was estimated using PfHRP2-based biomass measurement while the circulating parasite burden (PCir) was determined from peripheral parasite density. The sequestered parasite burden (PSeq), which represent the difference between PTot and PCir, was also evaluated. Additionally, the impact of prior antimalarial treatment on parasite burden was assessed. PTot and PSeq were consistently higher than PCir in severe malaria syndromes. In UM, PTot and PCir were similar, while the median PCir was lower in CM than in UM, suggesting greater sequestration in severe disease. After regaining consciousness, CM patients exhibited decreased PTot and PSeq values compared to their values at initial clinical evaluation. Higher PSeq estimates were associated with coma. Prior antimalarial treatment also reduced PCir but did not significantly change PTot. PfHRP2-derived total parasite biomass demonstrated a stronger association with severe malaria syndromes than peripheral parasitaemia. Accounting for prior antimalarial treatment is essential, as it may lower circulating parasite counts without affecting total biomass. Incorporating total parasite biomass assessments into clinical evaluation could enhance disease severity classification and inform timely interventions in endemic regions.

Tick-borne protozoan parasites pose significant risks to veterinary health worldwide, affecting both companion animals and livestock. When wildlife and domestic animals come into contact due to habitat encroachment, the likelihood of pathogen transmission increases, with ticks serving as potential vectors. This study investigated the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens of veterinary concern in ticks collected from wildlife commonly hunted and sold at the Atwemonom Bushmeat Market in Kumasi, Ghana. Ticks removed from wildlife carcasses were identified morphologically and screened using primers targeting a 560 bp fragment of the ssrRNA gene, the 345 bp region of the 16 S rRNA gene, and Sanger sequencing. A total of 211 ticks were collected from 46 wildlife carcasses representing three host species. The dominant tick species was Ixodes aulacodi (49.76

Placental malaria (PM), driven by sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes within the placental intervillous space, remains a major contributor to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in endemic regions. Increasing evidence suggests that PM may also contribute to the development of preeclampsia (PE), a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although PM and PE arise from distinct initiating events, Plasmodium falciparum sequestration in PM and defective spiral artery remodeling in PE, both conditions converge on shared placental and systemic biological pathways. In PM, P. falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) sequester within the placental intervillous space through binding of parasite-expressed variant surface antigen 2-chondroitin sulfate A (VAR2CSA) adhesion to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) on the syncytiotrophoblast. This sequestration, together with the accumulation of parasite derived products such as hemozoin, promotes local inflammation, syncytiotrophoblast stress, and disruption of placental vascular homeostasis. In PE, placental hypoperfusion and ischemia–reperfusion injury induce oxidative stress and abnormal trophoblast turnover. Despite these different origins, both conditions produce some overlapping patterns of placental injury including angiogenic dysregulation, characterized by elevated anti-angiogenic factors and reduced pro-angiogenic mediators. This convergence is further marked by activation of inflammatory signalling through NF-κB and inflammasome pathways, oxidative injury, complement activation, and systemic endothelial dysfunction. This review synthesizes current evidence on the shared biological pathways linking PM and PE and explores how malaria-induced placental injury may increase susceptibility to PE. We also examine the implications of overlapping biomarker signatures for diagnosis and risk stratification in malaria-endemic settings. Key knowledge gaps are highlighted, and priorities for future research are proposed to inform integrated strategies for malaria control and improved clinical management of PE in malaria-endemic settings.

Ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis, akin to other tick genera, are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance, serving as vectors for various pathogens. Haemaphysalis ticks, like Haemaphysalis muhsamae (H. muhsamae) within the Haemaphysalis leachi group, have previously had taxonomic uncertainties, which recent revisions have validated. Historically restricted to Eastern and Southern Africa, knowledge of their presence in West Africa has remained uncertain. This study aimed to confirm the presence of H. muhsamae in Ghana and to investigate its distribution, host associations and infestation patterns across ecological zones and seasons. A total of 3816 ticks were collected from wild mammal carcasses at two bushmeat markets between 2020 and early 2021. Morphological examination and molecular analysis targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene confirmed the presence of H. muhsamae in Ghana for the first time. Of the total, 140 ticks (3.7%) were identified as H. muhsamae, predominantly infesting the African civet (Civettictis civetta), striped ground squirrel (Xerus erythropus) and Kusimanse mongoose (Crossarchus obscurus). The species occurred in both forest (3.9%) and coastal savannah (3.5%) zones, with infestation intensity highest on African civets (p = 0.0032) and significantly greater during the wet season in the coastal savannah (p = 0.0213). Phylogenetic analysis showed close genetic similarity between Ghanaian specimens and those from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, suggesting a shared evolutionary lineage. These findings expand the known distribution of H. muhsamae and underscore the importance of ongoing tick surveillance and molecular characterization to better understand tick-borne disease risks in West Africa.

Ticks continue to invade new regions spreading pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance. Diverse tick species have been reported in Ghana due to the continuous trade of livestock. In this study, ticks were collected from cattle in three sites within Southern Ghana. The 1489 ticks collected were morphologically identified and further confirmed using a molecular assay that amplifies the 660-bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. These ticks were pooled and screened for pathogens of zoonotic importance. From the 215 tick pools screened, Rickettsia DNA was detected in 34 (15.81%). Sanger sequencing revealed the occurrence of Rickettsia africae (14.42%), the causative agent of African tick-bite fever, and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (1.39%). Regular monitoring of tick populations is essential to generate data for creating effective control and preventive measures.

The demand for wild animal meat, popularly called “bushmeat”, serves as a driving force behind the emergence of infectious diseases, potentially transmitting a variety of pathogenic bacteria to humans through handling and consumption. This study investigated the microbial load and bacterial diversity in bushmeat sourced from a prominent bushmeat market in Kumasi, Ghana. Carcasses of 61 wild animals, including rodents (44), antelopes (14), and African civets (3), were sampled for microbiological analysis. These samples encompassed meat, intestines, and anal and oral swabs. The total aerobic bacteria plate count (TPC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EBC), and fungal counts were determined. Bacterial identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF biotyping. Fungal counts were the highest across all animal groups, with African civets having 11.8 ± 0.3 log10 CFU/g and 11.9 ± 0.2 log10 CFU/g in intestinal and meat samples, respectively. The highest total plate count (TPC) was observed in rodents, both in their intestines (10.9 ± 1.0 log10 CFU/g) and meat (10.9 ± 1.9 log10 CFU/g). In contrast, antelopes exhibited the lowest counts across all categories, particularly in EBC from intestinal samples (6.1 ± 1.5 log10 CFU/g) and meat samples (5.6 ± 1.2 log10 CFU/g). A comprehensive analysis yielded 524 bacterial isolates belonging to 20 genera, with Escherichia coli (18.1%) and Klebsiella spp. (15.5%) representing the most prevalent species. Notably, the detection of substantial microbial contamination in bushmeat underscores the imperative for a holistic One Health approach to enhance product quality and mitigate risks associated with its handling and consumption.

Ticks are competent vectors of a wide range of pathogens. They are of veterinary and public health importance as they affect both animal and human health. Transhumance and the transboundary movements of cattle within the West African Sub-region have facilitated the spread of ticks which threatens the introduction of invasive species. Currently, Rhipicephalus microplus have been identified in the Upper East Region of Ghana which could mean a wider distribution of the species across the country due to livestock trade. This study focused on three sites in the Greater Accra Region, which serves as the gateway to receiving most of the cattle transported from the northern regions of Ghana. Ticks were sampled from August 2022 in the wet season to January 2023 in the dry season. Three tick genera were identified: Amblyomma (19.5%), Hyalomma (1.1%), and Rhipicephalus (79.3%) from the 1,489 feeding ticks collected from cattle. Furthermore, Rhipicephalus microplus, Hyalomma rufipes and Amblyomma variegatum were identified molecularly using primers that target the mitochondrial COI gene. There was a significant association between the tick species and seasons ( p < 0.001). Finding R. microplus in this study indicates the extent of the spread of this invasive tick species in Ghana and highlights the need for efficient surveillance systems and control measures within the country.

Anthropogenic activities, such as hunting wild animals for food, increase the risk of zoonotic transmission of infective stages of parasites to humans. The handling, processing and consumption of wild animal meat, popularly known as ‘bushmeat’, as well as exposure to wildlife habitats, can pose a significant risk to human health through the transfer of parasitic infective stages. This study sought to assess the enteric helminth parasite burden and potentially zoonotic helminths in fresh, wild animal carcasses being processed for food. Parasitological analysis of samples of rectal and intestinal contents collected from a total of fifty (50) wild animal carcasses belonging to eight (8) different species at the Atwemonom Bushmeat Market in Kumasi showed nine (9) genera of enteric helminth parasites with an overall prevalence of 71.0%. Individual parasite species prevalence was assessed, with Ascaris sp. showing 25% and 87.5% by coprological and molecular assessment, respectively. Molecular analysis showed a higher parasite species prevalence in all samples analyzed. Species-specific analysis indicated the presence of two potentially zoonotic parasites, Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura, in wild animals, indicating the need to intensify one health approach in wild animal parasitic infections. Data from this study suggest that wild animals in addition to being natural hosts, may also serve as reservoirs for numerous parasites of medical and veterinary importance.

Background Enteric parasitic infections remain a major public health problem globally. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that cause diarrhea in the general populations of both developed and developing countries. Information from molecular genetic studies on the speciation of these parasites and on the role of animals as vectors in disease transmission is lacking in Ghana. This study therefore investigated these diarrhea-causing parasites in humans, domestic rats and wildlife animals in Ghana using molecular tools. Methods Fecal samples were collected from asymptomatic school children aged 9-12 years living around the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (tourist site), from wildlife (zebras, kobs, baboons, ostriches, bush rats and bush bucks) at the same site, from warthogs at the Mole National Park (tourist site) and from rats at the Madina Market (a popular vegetable market in Accra, Ghana. The 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) for Cryptosporidium spp., the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh) for Giardia spp. and the 18S rDNA for Cyclospora spp. were analyzed in all samples by PCR and Sanger sequencing as markers of speciation and genetic diversity. Results The parasite species identified in the fecal samples collected from humans and animals included the Cryptosporidium species C. hominis, C. muris, C. parvum, C. tyzzeri, C. meleagridis and C. andersoni; the Cyclopora species C. cayetanensis; and the Gardia species, G. lamblia and G. muris. For Cryptosporidium, the presence of the gp60 gene confirmed the finding of C. parvum (41%, 35/85 samples) and C. hominis (29%, 27/85 samples) in animal samples. Cyclospora cayetanensis was found in animal samples for the first time in Ghana. Only one human sample (5%, 1/20) but the majority of animal samples (58%, 51/88) had all three parasite species in the samples tested. Conclusions Based on these results of fecal sample testing for parasites, we conclude that animals and human share species of the three genera (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia), with the parasitic species mostly found in animals also found in human samples, and vice-versa. The presence of enteric parasites as mixed infections in asymptomatic humans and animal species indicates that they are reservoirs of infections. This is the first study to report the presence of C. cayetanensis and C. hominis in animals from Ghana. Our findings highlight the need for a detailed description of these parasites using high-throughput genetic tools to further understand these parasites and the neglected tropical diseases they cause in Ghana where such information is scanty.

Background: Bacteria are ubiquitous in the marine environment. Increasing concern for human health has led to growing interest in contamination on public beaches. The presence of pathogenic microorganisms originating from anthropogenic activities such as defecation and disposal of sewage on beaches are of special concern. In this study, presence of pathogenic bacteria and bacterial load in beach zones and point sources were investigated. Methods: Sand core samples from the subtidal zone, intertidal zone, supratidal zone and point sources from 5 beaches in Accra, Ghana, were collected and analysed. Total aerobic, coliform and Escherichia ( E. coli) counts were determined for each zone in the respective beaches. Bacteria isolates were presumptively identified using biochemical tests and confirmed with MALDI-TOF MS. Results: Mean total aerobic count and total coliform counts ranged from 2.10 to 3.01 log CFU/g and 0.29 to 2.18 log CFU/g respectively while E. coli counts ranged from 0.12 to 1.71 log CFU/g for the beaches. Total aerobic count from point sources was 2.4-folds higher than the subtidal zone while total coliform counts were 5-folds higher in the point sources compared to the supratidal zone. Point sources had 10 times ( P = .0016) more E. coli counts as compared to the subtidal zone. Isolates recovered (n = 35) belonged to 10 bacteria genera. These were Bacillus spp. (25.7%), Acinetobacter spp. (14.3%), Aeromonas spp. (14.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.3%), Aerococcus viridans (8.6%), Staphylococcus spp. (8.6%), Shewanella profunda (5.7%), Rheinheimera soli (2.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.9%), and Exiguobacterium aurantiacum (2.9%). Conclusion: Point sources are major contributors to contamination on beaches. The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in beach sand could be a public health risk. Sensitization on cleanliness in the marine environment including beaches in Ghana is needed to enhance public health and safety.

Emerging infectious diseases are negatively impacting herpetofaunal populations globally, posing a major conservation threat. Anthropogenic perturbations of natural habitats may influence wildlife disease dynamics and spillover events. Although viral and fungal diseases of vertebrates have received considerable studies, there is scant information on the enteric bacteria and helminths of herpetofauna. Here, we assessed the gastrointestinal helminths and Gram-negative bacteria of the West African rainbow lizard ( Agama picticauda ) in a human-dominated landscape in Accra, Ghana. We used the flotation method and standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical methods, for helminths and bacteria, respectively. Four helminth species, Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Pharyngodon spp., and Oxyurid spp., were identified, with overall high (71.9%) prevalence. Ascaris spp. ( χ 2  = 33.33, p < 0.001) and Pharyngodon spp. ( χ 2  = 14.5, p < 0.001) were more prevalent in suburban lizards during the wet season than dry season. The prevalence of Ascaris spp. and Enterobius spp. was significantly higher ( χ 2  = 12.34, p < 0.001) in urban than suburban lizards, while Oxyurid spp. was more prevalent ( χ 2  = 4.75, p = 0.03) in the suburban lizards during the wet season. The gut bacteria identified (prevalence) were Escherichia spp. (86.5%), Enterobacter spp. (75.7%), Proteus spp. (67.6%), Shigella spp. (40.5%), Klebsiella spp. (21.6%), and Salmonella spp. (16.2%). The prevalence of Escherichia spp. and Proteus spp. was significantly higher ( χ 2  = 5.77–7.34, p = 0.01–0.02) in suburban lizards than urban lizards during the wet season. Some Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Escherichia spp., Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. are found in humans. Our data can serve as baseline information for long-term monitoring studies of reptile-parasites-environment interactions in the Accra plains of Ghana. Further studies using molecular techniques are needed to ascertain the zoonotic helminths and bacteria of A. picticauda .

The present study investigated the levels of Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb) and Iron (Fe) in the tissues of a benthic fish (Clarias gariepinus) and a pelagic fish (Oreochromis niloticus), which are highly consumed in Ghana. The fish were collected from the Weija reservoir, which is an important source of fishery and potable water in Accra, Ghana. The results indicate heavy metal accumulation in all the tissues (gills, liver and muscles) analyzed. The bioaccumulation of all the metals was lowest in the muscles compared to the liver and gills in both species. The bioaccumulation of the metals was generally higher in the tissues of the catfish, except for Fe and Zn. Fe was higher in the gills and liver of the tilapia, and Zn was higher in the liver of the tilapia. The analysis of relationships between metal levels in the different tissues and the size of the fish showed a few significant correlations. The results also showed that all metals showed no potential health risk to consumers, as THQs and TTHQs in tilapia and catfish were less than one, and the metal levels in both species were all below the FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits.

Wildlife may serve as potential reservoirs and intermediate or accidental hosts of zoonotic pathogens due to their interactions with human beings. For the first time in Ghana, we report extempore the gastrointestinal parasites of three Ethiopian rock hyraxes captured in September 2021. Forty adult parasites (21 nematodes and 19 tapeworms) were recovered from the gastrointestinal tracts of these three game hyraxes (Procavia capensis, Pallas, 1766) from the hills of Bimbagu (near the Gambaga Scarp) in the North East Region of Ghana. Adult worms comprising 16 tapeworms and 24 nematodes were identified. The intestinal faecal examination detected ova of Trichuris spp., tapeworms, and hookworms. The results are presented alongside the results of the molecular determination of the worm identities. Since wildlife has been identified as an important source of emerging human pathogens, including helminth parasites, there is an urgent need for sufficient literature on wildlife parasites in Ghana. As the rock hyrax is hunted for its meat, there is a potential risk of transmitting these identified helminths and other zoonotic pathogens to humans, especially involving people who handle the carcasses as the transmission is faecal-oral. A more precarious situation may arise when the eggs of cestodes are ingested by handlers of these carcasses and could result in cysticercosis/neuro-cysticercosis when these eggs cross the blood-brain barrier in the person.

Ticks are a public health threat due to their tendency to spread pathogens that affect humans and animals. With reports of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus invasion in neighbouring countries, there is the risk of this species invading Ghana through livestock trade. Previous identification of tick species in Ghana has been based on morphological identification, which can be ineffective, especially with damaged tick specimens or engorged nymphs. This study focused on the Kassena-Nankana District, which serves as a trade route for cattle into Ghana, to determine the presence of R. microplus. Three genera of ticks were identified as Amblyomma (70.9%), Hyalomma (21.3%) and Rhipicephalus (7.8%). The engorged nymphs that could not be identified morphologically were analyzed using primers that target the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This study reports the first record of R. (B.) microplus in Ghana. Furthermore, R. microplus constituted 54.8% of the Boophilus species collected in this study. This finding is an addition to the diverse tick species previously collected in Ghana, most of which are of veterinary and public health importance. With reports of acaricide resistance in R. microplus and its role in spreading infectious pathogens, the detection of this species in Ghana cannot be overlooked. Nationwide surveillance will be essential to ascertain its distribution, its effects on cattle production, and the control measures adopted.

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a serious viral zoonotic disease spread by ticks and caused by the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). The emergence and reemergence of CCHF in various nations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region over the last decade have shown a growing risk of the disease spreading to new areas, especially in population-dense and livestock trade-dominant areas. There is a lack of updated information on the risk of CCHFV in the Greater Accra and Upper East Regions of Ghana. Due to the paucity of available data, this study sought to identify the tick species diversity in Ghana and to ascertain the CCHFV strains they may carry. A total of 705 ticks were collected from 188 cattle and 11 horses and morphologically identified. Three tick genera ( Hyalomma , Amblyomma , and Rhipicephalus ) were observed, with the predominant species being Hyalomma rufipes ( n  = 290, 41.1%). The CCHFV infection rates of 0.78%, 0.69%, and 0.64% were recorded in Hyalomma truncatum , H. rufipes , and Amblyomma variegatum , respectively. No infection was detected in the Rhipicephalus species. Furthermore, a strain was successfully recovered using next-generation sequencing. The strain belongs to genotype 3 and shared 98.9% nucleotide identity with DQ211641_Mauritania_1984 and MF287636_Spain_2016. Findings from this study suggest the possible importation of the virus into the country through trade, and potentially, a public health threat to humans who may have primary contact with livestock.

Despite the widespread use of modern social media, relatively less is known about the impact of social media on the acculturation processes of international students in China and their engagement in school activities. Accordingly, this research intends to assess the influence of social media usage while answering questions such as how using social media can improve international students' acculturation process from both psychological/mental and behavioural standpoints, as well as whether international students' acculturation promotes students' engagement in school activities, among other questions. The role of self-identification in mediating the connection between social media usage and international students' acculturation is also investigated. Primary data were gathered from 354 international students studying at various universities around China. The results show that international students use of social media improves their acculturation process and engagement in school activities through information sharing, establishing contacts, and entertainment. The study's limitations and future directions are also highlighted.

The present study investigated the trace metal levels in sediments, enrichment in sediments, and its bioaccumulation in mollusks collected from the intertidal sediments of the coast of Accra, Ghana, which is influenced by anthropogenic activities. The metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in sediments. The metals (Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in the soft tissue of the mollusks collected from the different coastal areas. The results indicate that although Accra is the capital city and the coast receives tons of anthropogenic wastes, trace metal levels were low and there was no enrichment for the metals analyzed except Cu which showed minor to moderate enrichment in the coastal sediments. There was bioaccumulation of the trace metals in the soft tissue of the mollusks, and the results suggest that the mollusks studied, the gastropods (Agaronia razetoi) and the bivalves (Tivela tripla), can be used for biomonitoring.

The use of social media across the educational setting is on the rise. Subsequently, the body of research on this topic is vivacious and rising. Recent study has discussed the chances associated with the use of social media instruments in the classroom, but has not examined students’ own views on the role of social media in enhancing their educational experience. This study explores students’ perception on social media as an effective teaching instrument. The respondents, undergraduates from the University for Development Studies, took a banking and finance course and were asked about their social media usage, their preferences and their perception concerning the use of social media in tertiary/higher education. Other qualitative data on students were collected to explore the motivations for using social media in education and the views of teachers and universities. The results divulge the openness of using social media in education, uncover the interaction and information motivation of its use, and provide theoretical and pedagogical significance. Notably, we offer understandings into how educators can strategically incorporate social media tools into the classroom as well as how the use of social media can potentially affect students’ views of the instructor and the university.