Abstract
This study focuses on the influence of religious programmes on NTA Enugu in regulating the
moral conducts of Nigeria student, a study of Caritas University students. This is an investigative
study in which 280 questionnaires were distributed and 240 were returned. A survey research
method was adopted to take care of the diverse nature and student’s composition of the four
faculties of the University. Analysis of data showed that religious television programmes can
regulate the moral conducts of students in our society. However, problems militating against the
full watching of religious programmes in our society include the fact that most programmes that
are given priority on TV screen are violent programmes where evil things that can destroy the
society are carried out such like rape, kidnap, how to bomb, etc are projected. The study
recommends that a strong legislation should be in place to check the unwholesome content of
these films, especially those detrimental to the yo
1.1 Background of the Study
This study is on the influence of religious programmes on Nigerian television Authority (NTA)
Enugu in regulating the moral conducts of Nigerian students using Caritas University students as
a study.
Tracing the history of the establishment of the first television transmission began in Western
Nigeria on October 31, 1959.This service which was initiated by a regional government was not
only the first in Nigeria, but remains the oldest in the whole of the African continent. The birth
could be termed purely accidental, because it was borne out of political dissension. Chief
Obafemi Awolowo and his party men had walked out of parliament protest against a
constitutional debate at the eve of Nigeria’s independence. This action was condemned by the
ruling government over the federal all-Nigeria Radio Broad casting service, but access was
denied the opposition leader to reply to the accusations. Instead of establishing a Radio station
alone, to offer an unrepressed voice in national affairs, the Western Region commenced
television transmission.
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According to Faronbi (1979) unbelievers and critics. To many, it was a diversion of the scarce
resources of the region to a prestigious project. This kind of thinking at the time was strongly
countered by the argument that television was being established to satisfy the educational
aspirations of the people of the Western Region. The daily times(1959) carried a page report of
the inauguration of the new Western Nigerian Television service in Ibadan. According to
adegbokun(1983) he holds the view that creation of state owned television stations but that
another factor stronger than statism per se, was the effectiveness and importance of television
broadcasting as demonstrated by the older station. He also reports that among the station that
sprang up during the military regime were NTV Benin (now NTA Benin), Nigerian Television
Jos, Nigerian Television Sokoto.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Nigerian Television Authority(NTA) was the first
attempt by the Federal Government of Nigeria to have a centrally financed and co-ordinate
television industry born out of experiment in Joint broadcasting in Nigeria, the authority played a
major role in further development of the industry, in order to provide effective and and coordinate coverage of the second all-Africa games hosted by Nigeria in 1973, all the broadcasting
agency in the country were pooled together to form the broadcasting organization of Nigeria
(BON).One advantage to the television industry, and to the nation as a whole of the two bouts of
the speedy proliferation of television stations was the rapid increase in the use of the television
medium b y Nigerians. Many individuals’ establishments and homes procured television sets as a
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result of the oil wealth of the last two decades. Adiche (1974) reported a survey which showed
that about 87 percent of the people surveyed viewed more than two hours of television
programmes a day in all states.
Muniru (1984) commented on the increased choice of television channels for Nigerian
viewers. He affirmed that television has spread to all areas of the country. Growth has been
phenomenal. Viewers between Western States and Lagos could select from some twelve
channels. Paradoxically,the availability of numerous radio and television stations in Nigeria
during the 1979-1983 civilian administration should have enhanced national unity but instead it
produced widespread disharmony caused by the unprecedented misuse of these two media
facilities by the politicians and their agents. While inaugurating the committee for the
rationalization of radio and television services, the then Chief of staff, supreme headquarters,
lamented the abuse of the radio and television media by the politicians during the civilian
regime. New Nigerian newspaper (1984) reported the chief of staff’s remarks: The exercise was
aimed at streamlining television broadcasting in the country, saving cost and making the services
more efficient. He condemned the role played by the various radio and television stations during
the civilian regime. He said that the stations without exceptions became megaphones of political
parties in power, suppressing or grossly distorting information to serve the whims and caprices
of politicians. By so doing, Brigadier Idiagbon added, they fanned the embers of disunity,
disaffection, and discord. They also succeeded in poisoning the political atmosphere to such an
extent that law and order virtually broke down in many states of the federation.
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The aim of this study is to find out the influence of religious programmes on NTA Enugu
in regulating the moral conducts of Nigerian students. Mostly emphasis will be laid on how
religious film shown on screen affect our youths and the impacts of these films, suggested
measures by which the negative programme could be curtailed, presented or still avoided. This
problem has caught our attention because of the concern it generated on people. Such concern is
shown in justice Abdulahi’s article titled Television, moral training on crime booster he said that
students horrible sense of high clubs which are all foreign and harmful had been conducted into
the influence of television on young people, to see whether there is a relationship between TV
and violence and a child’s behavior and researcher has fire to prove this line. Resources like
Niclas Johnson and activities and a leader of a group called the national citizens committee in
broadcasting in America, once explained that television has become a collage for criminals.
It has been estimated that over 80% of films on television exposes the kind of criminal
behaviour that are being demonstrated around us. The same thing is applicable to the Nigerian
television screen or foreign and are mainly from American and Britain. But on the surface
nothing seems wrong but all the actions encroaches on the minds and bears the individuals in
most cases, the cultural content of most films imported into Nigeria are of little relevance to the
social appearance of the average Nigeria.
It is obvious that the students of Caritas University are exposed to television programmes,
from within and outside Nigerian media content. These TV programmes include religious,
political, fashion etc. But our major concern is religious programme on NTA Enugu which is
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likely to be a favorite programme for Caritas University Students for the purpose of moral
conduct upliftment. Since students hostels in the campus have TV sets mounted at convenient
centers, the students from time to time watch television including NTA religious programmes.
1.2 Statement of the research Problem
The influence of religious programmes on NTA Enugu in regulating the moral conducts
of Nigerian students, have been said to have some problems facing Nigerian students. The
possibility that youth who view religious programmes are likely not to be aggressive and violent
has been observed by educators, scientists and parents over a long time.
Nigerian students have the mindset of gaining material things more than spiritual
upliftments from religious programmes. They are also faced with some kind of brain wash
through some of the religious programmes like miracles, which are likely to be exaggerated.
There is an erosion of moral values on the Nigerian students whereby the monetary are of more
importance to them than the religious teachings.Therefore, this study is set to find out whether
Caritas University exposure to NTA Enugu religious programmes has any impact on their moral
conduct because of some identified factors likely to uther whatever they watch on television.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The researchers objectives is to conduct an indepth research on the influence of
religious programmes on NTA Enugu in regulating the moral conducts of Nigerian students, with
an insight to determine its implications on the moral values of Nigerian youths Other objectives
include:
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1. To show how contents of religious programmes on NTA Enugu affects Nigerian students.
2. To examine the TV impacts in regulating the moral conduct of Nigerian students.
3. To know how to avoid erotic languages when broadcasting religious programmes on
NTA.
1.4 Research Questions
A number of questions have been raised and answers to such questions definitely shall
provide solutions to the problem.
1. To what extent does the content of religious programmes on NTA Enugu affect Nigerian
Students?
2. To what extent does the TV impact moral conduct in Nigeria Students?
3. How are erotic languages used when broadcasting religious programmes on NTA?
1.5 Scope of the Study
The scope of the study is to find out how the religious programmes on NTA Enugu
influence moral conducts of Nigerian students using Caritas University as a study. The
institution is been noted for a constant influence of Religious programmes on NTA Enugu
on their moral values. In the cause of the research, interviews were conducted on the
students of the institution. But the research depends more on the questionnaire which were
distributed to students and were completed and returned.
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The researcher also consulted some textbooks, newspapers, and journals which provided
a lot of information pertaining religious programmes which should be transmitted by the
NTA network and the quantity, type and contents of foreign materials.
1.6 significance of the Study
First the research study is significant to the researcher as it helps her to develop research
skills and facts on religious programmes in the society as it concerns the Nigerian students
especially.
The conduct of this research will enable the government to know what role the media can
play in the development of a country and therefore, harness the mass media especially
television in the democratic process and development process in general.
The study will also help any Nigerian who goes through this work to understand
effectively their various right and responsibilities in a religious society setting.
It will also confirm whether the media is for the government alone or are actually carrying
out their functions to the society.
Finally, the result of the study will serve as a reference material for furthers tudies in
management, government and mass communication.
1.7 Operational definitions of Terms
1. religious programmes: They are evangelical educational programmes that are been
broadcast on NTA with the main mission to enlighten people and uplift their morals.
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2. moral conducts: It relates to issues of right and wrong and how an individual should
behave. It also gives guidance on how to behave decently and honorably.
3. media: The media is operationalised as television. Broadcast used to generate or
circulate information to the public.
4. students: It is defined as people who study in various schools, universities in Nigeria
without definite age range.