ADOPTING RADIO-BASED LITERACY PROGRAMMES FOR ADULT LITERACY: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This research investigates the factors influencing adult illiteracy in Nigeria, and explores the challenges and potential strategies for implementing radio-based literacy programs to address this issue. Obstacles such as limited access to radio services, language barriers, and cultural resistance were seen as significant challenges to the effective implementation of radio-based literacy programs. As seen in a Yoruba radio program on Osun State Radio 104.5FM "Mooko Monka" targeted at the aged people. Through a mixed-methods approach involving structured questionnaires and interviews, data were collected from a diverse sample of respondents representing various perspectives within the country to investigate factors militating against adult literacy in spite of the governments’ efforts at ensuring that every citizen irrespective of age and gender become literate. The findings highlight limited access to educational resources, economic barriers, cultural norms, and infrastructural challenges as significant contributors to adult illiteracy in Nigeria. However, findings from this research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and literacy advocates working towards promoting literacy and lifelong learning opportunities in the country to adopt towards actualizing their goals. These include; tailored programming, interactive elements, community engagement, and accessibility enhancement among others.