The Mass Media in Distance Education in Nigeria in the 21st Century

This paper investigates the use of mass media in distance education in Nigeria in order to provide suggestions for its effective use during the 21st century. Distance education programmes, especially those of the Universities of Ibadan and Lagos are examined. These two institutions made bold and commendable efforts. However, while print media seemed successfully made use of, unfortunately electronic media were beyond the capabilities of the two institutions. Based on the study's findings, suggestions for effective distance education in Nigeria include: (1) a separate tertiary institution, such as the Nigerian Open University (NOU), which was formerly aborted but recently reopened, should be well equipped and maintained; (2) NOU should be assigned special radio stations and television channels (or separate radio stations and television channels should be established for NOU's use); (3) distance education should provide for the interest of all who need different programmes, including liberal education; (4) public libraries should be established in all the big towns; and (5) well-stocked libraries should be established at the zonal centres (which ideally, should be at tertiary institutions).