This study examined the perceived effectiveness of mobile learning applications in reducing illiteracy among rural youths in northern Nigeria.A descriptive survey research design was employed, with the study conducted in selected rural communities in Niger state. The population comprised rural youths aged 15 to 35 years who have basic mobile phone literacy and access to mobile devices. A sample size of 200 respondents was selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled "Mobile Learning Applications Perception and Challenges Questionnaire" (MLAPCQ), which was validated by three experts and tested for reliability with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84.

Data were analysed using descriptive statistics including means and standard deviations, with a decision benchmark of 2.50 on a four-point Likert scale. The findings revealed that rural youths hold positive perceptions regarding mobile learning applications and view them as useful, convenient, and capable of improving literacy skills and employment prospects. Study concludes that Nigeria holds positive perceptions regarding mobile learning applications and recognize their potential value as tools for literacy development. Based on these findings, the study recommended that developers create culturally responsive applications with local language support and offline functionality, government agencies invest in improving rural infrastructure and subsidizing data costs, and non-governmental organizations establish mobile learning support centers to provide technical assistance to rural users.