Mass Media as an Effective Tool for Promoting Education and Literacy Among Residence of Offa Community

ABSTRACT
This study examine the effectiveness of mass media as a tool for promoting education and literacy among residents of Offa community. Education is a cornerstone for national development, social change, and individual empowerment. In a rapidly evolving global society, literacy remains a vital element for economic participation, civic engagement, and personal growth. Despite numerous governmental and non-governmental efforts to improve education in Nigeria, literacy levels in many communities remain sub-optimal. The objectives are to: Identify the types of mass media used in Offa for educational purposes; assess the accessibility and usage of educational media content by residents; evaluate the impact of mass media on literacy improvement in Offa community; examine the challenges associated with the use of mass media in promoting education and literacy. This research work adopts quantitative research design. The population of this study are residents of Offa, Kwara State with a total population of 166,112 . According to Krejcie and Morgan method for researchers in determining the sample size from a given population Therefore, for the sake of time and financial constraint, the Sample size for this study is 384. In this study, the data collection instruments used is questionnaire. The method used in the presentation/analysis and interpretation of data collected is statistical methods which are the use of frequency tables and simple percentage. Findings revealed that the respondent have access to educational contents on the mass media, the medium they usually access educational contents on the media is on radio broadcast, television and social media platforms. Also they access educational content, academic tips, or skill development) through mass media. The research concludes that, the extent mass media has improved their knowledge or literacy skills is high, mass media influenced people awareness of educational opportunities (e.g., scholarships, free courses) in Offa. Educational media contents are accessible to the residents of Offa, mass media has impact on literacy levels in the community. Based on the findings of the research, it is recommended that; mobile applications and podcasts can support two-way learning and tailored education; community media centers can be set up in underserved areas to offer shared access to educational content.