Education plays a very pivotal role in the development and growth of any nation.
One of the basic functions of the media is to educate its views in all spheres so that via its programmes members of the public can contribute their quota in making the society a better place.
Knowing full well the relevance of education, the media designs educational programmes to augment classroom education.
However, educational broadcasting is hinged on the utilization f broadcast media for educational purposes. It is designed for both formal and informal education.
The use of the broadcast media for promoting learning or as a supplement for classroom teaching continues to draw attention because of the very important role that the mass media plays in our society.
The instructional materials that the broadcast media provides are often used in the development of students in Nigeria.
In this paper, the searchlight will be beamed on the role of educational programmes in secondary schools in Nigeria. Educational programmes are hinged on broadening the knowledge of students in the different subjects which could be in the arts and science subjects.
It could also bring inspirations of teachers, artists and scientists into the lives of students who may not be opportune to be members of the formal education population.
Furthermore, educational programmes bring to fore learning and knowledge to members of the public and serves as a motivation for increase in actual enrolment in many Nigerian secondary schools.
Moreso, educational programmes which are brought to fore via mass media like the press,tv,radio,film to mention but a few are used to aptly disseminate information to a large heterogeneous audience.
Thus, formal education in Nigeria is no longer restricted to education establishments alone. The mass media through its educational programmes in our contemporary times have taken a positive step towards promoting and enhancing the development of education in no small measure in Nigeria.
However, it is important to take into cognizance the role of educational programmes in secondary schools because secondary schools serve as the conduit between the primary and tertiary institutions.
If the foundation of secondary school education is fortified or solidified, it could serve as a launch pad to greatness in the educational pursuits of students who yearn for academic advancement.
Role of educational programme in Secondary Schools in Nigeria
The following are vital points of the role of educational programmes in secondary school education in Nigeria:
- To serve as a complement and supplement to classroom education because teachers cannot solely impact knowledge without the media and other relevant agencies contributing their own quota to the development of education in Nigeria.
- Educational programmes serve as platforms for intellectual development
- To broaden and deepen knowledge of secondary school subjects in all ramifications.
- To encourage and teach vocational skills
- To provide tutorials on curricular subjects.
The fusion of audio-visuals and other relevant presentation skills gives a new dimension to the impacting knowledge to secondary school students. This is because the way educational programmes are disseminated are in a livelier and more endearing way than those in regular classrooms.
In addition, educational programmes which are relevant in secondary schools include:
- Drama programmes
- Art inclined programmes
- Youth programmes
- News and current affairs programmes
- Sports programmes
- Quiz and debate programmes
- Light entertainment programmes
These afore mentioned programmes are vital in the total education of students in secondary schools.
