INFLUENCEOFEDUCATIONAL TV PROGRAMMES ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE WARRI

Abstract Abstract This study investigates the influence of educational television programmes on the academic performance of secondary school students at Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. Amid growing concerns about the dual effects of television on youth behaviour and academic outcomes, the research aims to identify the types of educational programmes students are exposed to, determine their level of exposure, assess the extent to which these programmes contribute to academic performance, and examine the barriers hindering access to such content. The study achored of George Gerbner Cultivation Theory and Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory to emphasise the influence of television on study learning experiences. Adopting a descriptive survey design, the study employed a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 345 students, selected from a total population of 2,506 using Slovin’s formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that a significant number of students frequently engage with educational television programmes, particularly quiz-based shows and science-related documentaries. Most respondents acknowledged a positive contribution of these programmes to their academic development. However, the study also identified challenges such as irregular power supply, lack of parental guidance, and preference for entertainment content, which limit the effectiveness of educational TV exposure. The study concludes that educational television, when appropriately guided and integrated, serves as a valuable tool for enhancing academic performance among secondary school students. It recommends increased awareness, infrastructural support, and parental-teacher involvement to maximize the benefits of educational programming.