THE ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN PROMOTING GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study examines the role of mass media in promoting girl-child education in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: examine the roles of media coverage in girl child education in MMC, assess the impact of mass media on girl-child education in the study area, identify the constraints to media coverage on girl-child education and proper suggestions to factors affecting media coverage on girl child education. Both primary and secondary data were used for study. Data for the study were obtained from 120 respondents selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. Questionnaire was used for collection of data. Descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics was employed to analyze the data obtained. Results of the study revealed that majority of the respondents (54.2%) are within the age of 20 to 40 years with more than half engaged in one business or the other. The results of the study also revealed that more than half of the respondents had formal education and majority (58.3%) are married. 45.8% of the respondents had family size of six (6) and above household members. It was also found mass media play a central role in promoting girl-child education in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. From the responses, the media are viewed as an important platform for creating awareness, mobilizing communities, and advocating for equal opportunities for girls. The study further revealed that media have influenced awareness about educational policies, gender issues, and parental attitudes. From the study, it was revealed that cultural practices and gender disparity were the most significant constraints. Poor leadership, political interference, corruption, and lack of awareness were also identified as major barriers to effective media coverage of girl-child education. Possible solutions to these problems include gender equality campaigns, empowerment programs, and educational plays were identified as the most effective. Therefore, the study recommended among others the need to provide strong policy backing and funding to support both girl-child education and media campaigns targeted at promoting gender equality.