DESIGN OF A WEB BASED FACT CHECKING PLATFORM FOR COMBATING FAKE NEWS IN BUK
Chapter one
1.1. Background of the Study
The emergence of digital technologies has transformed how information is created, distributed,
and consumed. With the rise of social media and mobile devices, the public is now more exposed
to news content than ever before. However, this convenience has also led to the rapid spread of
fake news, which refers to deliberately false or misleading information presented as news with
the intent to deceive (Lazer et al., 2018).
In recent years, educational institutions, including Bayero University Kano (BUK), have not
been immune to this phenomenon. Fake news spreads easily through unofficial WhatsApp
groups, Telegram channels, and social media pages, often resulting in misinformation about
examination dates, class cancellations, policy changes, Asuu strike,or even campus security.
These incidents create unnecessary panic, harm the university’s credibility, and disrupt academic
activities.
While global platforms such as Snopes, PolitiFact, and Africa Check have been developed to
fight misinformation, they are generally not tailored to the local or institutional context (Wardle
& Derakhshan, 2017). Their focus is often national or international news, leaving a gap for
community-based solutions like those needed in universities. In the case of BUK, there is
currently no dedicated digital platform for verifying and publishing the truth about rumors
circulating among students and staff.
A web-based fact-checking platform designed specifically for BUK would enable users to submit
questionable claims, review verified outcomes, and access an archive of previously fact-checked
information. Such a system can enhance transparency, strengthen trust in official communication
channels, and promote media literacy among students.
According to Tandoc et al. (2018), fact-checking platforms are most effective when they are
timely, accessible, and trusted by their target audience. Therefore, building a simple, locally-
focused digital platform can play a significant role in combatting fake news within university
environments, where academic integrity and clarity are essential.
This project seeks to contribute to this goal by designing a user-friendly, web-based fact-
checking system for Bayero University Kano. The platform will serve as a tool to both verify
information and educate users about the dangers of misinformation, aligning with broader efforts
to promote responsible digital citizenship in Nigeria and beyond.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
The rapid advancement of digital technology and the growing use of social media have made it
easier than ever to share and access information. However, this same ease has resulted in the
expansion of fake news and misinformation, particularly within academic environments like
Bayero University Kano (BUK). On a daily basis, students and staff are exposed to unverified
content—including false information about academic calendars, exam schedules, policy
changes,Asuu strike and campus security.
Such misinformation often spreads quickly across WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and
informal messaging channels, causing panic, confusion, and disruption. Unfortunately, there is
currently no dedicated, accessible system in place at BUK to fact-check and publicly verify or
debunk these claims. As a result, many members of the university community rely on rumors or
unofficial sources, which weakens trust in institutional communication.
Existing global fact-checking platforms like Africa Check and Snopes are not designed to
address local, university-specific issues, making them ineffective for students who need timely
and relevant clarification. Additionally, traditional methods of official communication (e.g.,
notice boards or verbal announcements) are too slow and insufficient in countering fast-
spreading digital misinformation.
The absence of a centralized, user-friendly system for verifying claims at BUK highlights a
significant information gap. There is a pressing need for a web-based platform where students
and staff can submit suspicious news, get reliable feedback, and access an archive of verified
claims—all in real time.
This project seeks to address that gap by designing a web-based fact-checking platform tailored
for the BUK community, to help combat fake news, improve information accuracy, and
strengthen trust in official communication channels.
1.3. Aim of the Project
The main aim of this project is to design and develop a web-based fact-checking platform that
will help combat the spread of fake news and misinformation within Bayero University Kano
(BUK) by enabling users to verify and access accurate, trusted information related to campus life
and academic affairs.
1.3.2. Objectives
The objectives of the project are to:
1. Design a user-friendly web interface that allows students and staff to submit suspicious
claims or rumors for verification.
2. Develop an administrative dashboard where authorized users (e.g., moderators or fact-
checkers) can review, verify, and publish fact-checked content.
3. Create a searchable database of verified claims that users can browse for past fact-
checking reports.
4. Enable real-time updates and feedback, so users can be notified when a submitted claim
has been verified or debunked.
1.4. Significance of the Project
The proposed web-based fact-checking platform holds significant value for Bayero University
Kano (BUK) and its wider academic community. In an era where false information spreads
rapidly through digital channels, particularly on social media and messaging platforms, this
project addresses a growing and urgent need to combat misinformation in a local university
setting.
1.5 scope and limitations
1.5.1 Scope of the Project
This project focuses on the design and development of a web-based fact-checking platform
specifically tailored to Bayero University Kano (BUK). The platform aims to provide students,
staff, and administrators with a centralized digital space.
1.5.2 Limitations of the Project
While the development of a web-based fact-checking platform for Bayero University Kano
(BUK) is expected to significantly reduce the spread of misinformation, the project does have
several limitations that may affect its functionality, reach, or long-term scalability.
1.6. Definition of Key Terms
1. Fact-Checking
The process of investigating and verifying the factual accuracy of information or claims before
they are accepted or shared. It involves identifying whether a statement is true, false, misleading,
or lacking context.
2. Fake News
False or misleading information presented as news, often intended to deceive or misinform
readers. Fake news can take the form of hoaxes, rumors, propaganda, or satire mistaken for fact.
3. Web-Based Platform
An online application or system that is accessed through a web browser and hosted on a server.
In this context, it refers to the digital system built to allow users to submit, verify, and read fact-
checking reports.
4. Misinformation
False or inaccurate information shared without the intent to deceive. It differs from
disinformation, which is deliberately created to mislead.
5. Verification
The process of confirming the truth or accuracy of a claim, fact, or statement. In fact-checking
systems, verification is typically done through research, credible sources, and expert input.
6. Moderators/Fact-Checkers
Individuals responsible for reviewing submitted claims, conducting investigations, and
publishing verified information or corrections. They manage the content integrity of the
platform.
7. User Interface (UI)
The visual part of the web platform that users interact with. It includes buttons, forms, navigation
menus, and other design elements that enable users to submit and read information.
8. Information Literacy
The ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively
and responsibly. It is a critical skill in identifying and avoiding fake news.
9. Submission Portal
A feature of the platform where users can report or submit suspicious news items or claims for
verification by the system’s administrators.
10. Campus Misinformation
Rumors or false information that specifically relate to events, policies, or announcements within
the university environment, such as examination dates or student activities.