THE POPULARITY AND IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PROGRAMMES ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN AKOKO SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

This study examines the popularity and impact of educational television programs on the academic performance of secondary school students in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the desire to understand if and how these programs, which are increasingly accessible, can bridge the educational gaps caused by inadequate school resources. Using a descriptive research design, the study collected data from a sample of secondary school students in the region. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between exposure to educational television and students’ academic performance. The results indicate that students who regularly engage with educational television programs tend to perform better in core subjects, particularly in understanding difficult topics and improving overall comprehension. The study also confirms that educational television motivates students to study more and enhances their confidence in class. Despite these positive impacts, the study identifies several challenges that limit the effectiveness of educational television in the region. These challenges include a lack of stable electricity, limited access to educational channels, inconvenient program air times, and a lack of parental or teacher guidance. These infrastructural and social barriers highlight a significant gap between the potential of educational television and its actual utilization. Based on these findings, the study recommends that educational policymakers and school administrators invest in formalizing the use of educational television in schools. This includes providing reliable power supply, making educational content more accessible, and training teachers to integrate these programs into the curriculum. By addressing these challenges, educational television can be optimized to serve as a powerful and inclusive tool for improving learning outcomes for secondary school students in Akoko South West.