Examining the Educational Roles of Radio in National Development: a Study of Fresh Fm, Ado-Ekiti

This study investigated the educational roles of radio in national development, with Fresh FM Ado-Ekiti as the case study. The research aimed to assess the nature of educational programming on Fresh FM, the extent of listener engagement, its impact on local community development, and its contribution to national development. Questionnaire were administered to 384 respondents in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. The findings of the study revealed that Fresh FM broadcasts a variety of educational programs that cover topics of local relevance, such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and governance. Significant proportions of respondents were aware of the educational content and affirmed its relevance to the community. However, while many respondents agreed that the programs contributed to raising awareness of important issues, engagement with these programs was relatively low, and active listener participation was minimal. Despite this, the study found that Fresh FM’s educational programming had a noticeable impact on increasing public awareness about local government initiatives and social issues. In terms of national development, respondents believed that Fresh FM’s educational programs fostered national unity, encouraged participation in national issues, and promoted social responsibility. However, the study also found that while the programs raised awareness about the importance of education and sustainable development, their direct impact on fostering a knowledge-based economy was perceived as moderate. Overall, the educational content on Fresh FM has contributed positively to local development and national progress but faces challenges related to listener engagement and behavior change.