The main aim of this study was to develop a plan for expanding the use of Educational Television (ETV) in Northern Nigerian Universities.
The study surveyed the attitudes toward ETV of 190 faculty from two Northern Nigerian universities. Additional data sources included discussions with government officials and facility observations.
Research questions for the study included: (1) What were the attitudes of the Northern Nigerian university faculty toward ETV? (2) What impact did the Northern Nigerian faculty believe ETV will have on them? (3) Did the Northern Nigerian faculty think ETV services could play a significant role in solving Nigeria's educational problems? (4) Did Northern Nigerian faculty attitudes toward ETV depend on variables like teaching experience, where degree was earned, highest degree earned, and field of specialization? (5) What specific plans were currently established for the use of ETV for higher education in Nigeria? (6) What funding was available? (7) What technology and other necessary infrastructures were available? (8) What disciplines were targeted to use ETV? (9) What was the then current status of ETV utilization in Northern Nigerian universities?
Four null hypotheses for differences between teaching experience, where subjects earned their degrees (abroad or domestic), highest degree earned, and field of specialization on attitudes toward ETV were tested.
Subjects were generally positive toward ETV. Those with higher years of teaching experience, who studied abroad, had Doctoral degrees, or in Agriculture and Education were most favorable. A majority of the subjects (78.9%) indicated they would need training on how to use ETV.
The plan was developed in line with existing government policies, survey interviews, and observation results. Descriptions for the plan were designed for five years, with priorities established. The plan advocated an immediate expansion in services and continuing education activities, and the expansion of ETV courses particularly in Agriculture, Education, and Medicine.
