CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Broadcasting is a primary means by which information, opinions, ideas and entertainment are delivered to the public or private concerns in virtually every nation around the world. It refers to transmission of electromagnetic audio signals (radio) or audio-visual signals (Television) that are accessible to a wide population via standard readily available receivers (Ogunmilade, 1998).

Broadcasting is a crucial instrument of modern source and political nature in the 21st century. Radio and television (TV) broadcasting has been employed by political leaders to address nations, because of their capacity to reach and influence large number of people (Agbari, 1992).

Historically speaking, the broadcast media got to Nigeria in 1932, when the radio broadcasting service of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) started as empire service of the BBC. But in 1933, after realizing the role of Broadcasting within the educational field the BBC transmitted the first educational programme to her West African overseas service.

The 1st Nigeria educational radio broadcast programmes were for English language via the radio distribution service under the posts and telegraphs department. However, Abimbade (2006) confirmed that in 1957 the Nigeria Broadcast Service was established which eventually took over the transmission of educational programmes.

Renewed demands and requests by various interests groups for the expansion of the Nigeria Broadcast Service (NBS) to cover the entire nation led the ancient colonial administration to invite Mr. Richard Postgonte (an ex-head of BBC school broadcasts) to look into the possibility of introducing an educational radio service in Nigeria.

It was his report that brought about the establishment of a school broadcast unit in the NBS. According to Abimbade (2006), by 1957 the NBS has been transformed to Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

Nowadays, access to education, information, knowledge, and communication plays a vital role in the individual and social life as well as human development and inclination towards growth. As a pre-requisite of knowledge, information, recognition and awareness are among the most efficient factors in reaching human development (WSIS, 2005).

Ekoja (2003) has mentioned that the information sources in different aspects of agriculture for the farmers are radio and television, propaganda publication, daily farm newspapers, agriculture exhibitions, practical education, and consultation services, respectively. Jenkins and his colleagues (2003) have conducted a study about the information technology used by the farmers of North California.

Based on this research, newsletters were found to be the most important way of collecting information about major issues in agriculture. In Nigeria, the studies conducted by Arokoyo (2003) showed that although video, radio, and television are the major sources of information for the farmers of this country, in the case of establishing the foundations, it is also possible to use other developed equipment.

Canada as an advanced country, considers radio as a noticeable medium in parallel with its technological improvements in the field of agriculture. The production of radio programmes on agriculture has been the prime concern of Canadian radio and television organization (CBS) for about half a century (Khatoonabadi, 1995).

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Basic Technology as a subject has been affected by the use of information and communication technologies which radio and television are key components of and this have undoubtedly affected the teaching and learning of the subject.

The reason for this could be ascribed to the fact that there are topics in basic technology that pose serious problem of comprehension to students. These topics cannot be taught effectively without the use of relevant channel/media such as broadcast media (radio or television) which provides not only audio or audio-visual images but also make learning practical and interesting. Several researches have been carried out on Radio as an educational tool in developing countries but not even a single research has been carried out on the impact of radio broadcasting in improving the educational system in Lagos state during the first lockdown.

1. AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim and objectives of the study is to determine the impact of radio broadcasting in improving the educational system. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the factors affecting radio broadcasting and its effect on the educational system in Lagos.
2. to determine the extent to which radio broadcasting affects the educational system in Lagos state.
3. to determine the effect of radio broadcasting on the educational system of Lagos state.
4. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.

1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1      What is the factors affecting radio broadcasting and its effect on the educational system in Lagos?

2      What is the extent to which radio broadcasting affects the educational system in Lagos state?

3      What is the effect of radio broadcasting on the educational system of Lagos state?

4      What are the possible solutions to the problems?

1. RSEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Ho:  Radio broadcasting has no significant effect on the educational system.

Hi:   Radio broadcasting has a significant effect on the educational system.

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on the impact of radio broadcasting in improving the educational system will be of immense benefit to the entire educational system in Lagos in the sense that it will increase knowledge and influence behavior of the intended audience. It will also enable the media to disseminate information to large audiences efficiently; the radio can be a particularly important channel. Since the radio plays a more important role in public education. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study on the impact of radio broadcasting in improving the educational system is limited to Lagos state.

1. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

TIME CONSTRAINTS: One the challenges experienced by the researcher is the issue of time; the research will simultaneously engage in departmental activities like seminars and attendance to lectures. But the researcher was able to meet up with the deadline for the submission of the project.

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS: Every research work needs funding; however lack of adequate funds might affect the speed of the researcher in getting materials for completion of the project.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Educational:   Relating to the provision of education.   

Improving:      Giving moral or intellectual benefit.

Broadcasting: Broadcasting is the distribution of audio or video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass communications medium, but typically one using the electromagnetic spectrum, in a one-to-many model.

Radio:      Radio is an electronic device that transmits human voice electro-magnetically through air wavers over a long distance.