DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION

This study examines Benin City residents’ perception of broadcast media reportage of Governor Obaseki’s “Edojob Policy.” The research sought to determine the level of awareness of Edojob Policy among residents, the media channels through which they accessed information, their attitudes towards the policy, and their overall perception of it. The study was anchored on Media Dependency Theory and Framing Theory. A survey research design was employed, with a sample size of 400 respondents drawn from Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor Local Government Areas of Edo State. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using frequency distribution and simple percentages. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of Edojob Policy, with social media emerging as the dominant channel of information. Residents generally perceived the policy positively, acknowledging its contribution to job creation and empowerment. The study concludes that broadcast media reportage has been effective in creating awareness and shaping public perception of the Edojob Policy. The study recommends that media organizations continue to provide extensive coverage of developmental policies and that government sustains and expands the Edojob Initiative for broader impact.

This Study examined the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of students in University of Benin. The widespread in adoption and use of digital technologies for teaching and learning informed the study, emphasizing the need to understand how digital learning apps impact academic performance as measured by grades, GPA and other indicators of academic success. The study was guided by four objectives: To identify the level of exposure of students at the University of Benin to digital learning apps, to determine the frequency of usage of
digital learning apps for academic purposes, to examine the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of University of Benin students, and to identify the challenges faced by University of Benin students while using digital learning apps. In terms of theoretical framework, the Constructivist Learning Theory and Diffusion of Innovation was adopted. Using a survey design, a sample size of 287 undergraduate full-time students was selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings revealed that there is a high level of digital learning apps awareness among University of Benin students. Digital learning apps was also found to significantly enhance students' retention and grades. However, challenges such as poor internet connection, high cost of data, digital distraction and little training on the use of digital learning apps were identified. The study concludes that digital learning apps positively influences students' academic performance despite certain obstacles. The researcher therefore recommends that the University should implement digital literacy programs that will help students learn how to effectively use digital learning apps, also call for the provision of free Internet (WiFi) within the University.

The academic performance of students is influenced by several factors, one of which is the communication behaviour of lecturers. Hence, this study investigates the impact of lecturers communication behaviour on students academic performance, with a particular focus on the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin. The study employed the Social Learning Theory and Immediacy Theory, helped to frame the understanding of how students perceive and respond to lecturers communication styles. A survey research design was employed, using both questionnaires and interviews to collect data from selected respondents within the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Benin. Data collected were analyzed using tables for quantitative feedback and thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Findings revealed that lecturers communication behaviour significantly impacts students academic performance, as it was discovered that the way lecturers communicate can either enhance or hinder students learning experiences, thus, the impact can be positive or negative depending on the nature of the communication behaviour. The study concluded that lecturers communication behaviour plays a crucial role in shaping the academic outcomes of students. In relation to these findings, it is recommended that higher institutions conduct thorough interviews to assess lecturers communication behaviour during recruitment processes and provide continuous training to ensure lecturers remain effective, inclusive, and always adaptive to the diverse communication needs of students.

This study titled “citizen journalism vs professional journalism: A comparative analysis examines the different features, strengths, weaknesses, and the whole impact of citizen and professional journalism in today’s growing media environment. The main purpose of the study was to compare citizen journalism and professional journalism I terms of their credibility, accuracy, trust, characteristics, and influence on public trust and perception, as well as to solve how technological advancements have shaped their operations. The study took in a survey research design, and data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire which brought out 279 respondents from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin. The data collected were carefully analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings showed that while citizen journalism improves immediacy, participation and inclusivity in news sharing. It sometimes lacks accountability and professional training and editorial oversight. In opposite view, professional journalism is guided by ethical standards, accountability, and fact checking making it more trustworthy among audiences. The study also discovered that technological advancements have greatly impacted both forms of journalism, narrowing the gap between them and enabling citizens to actively engage in the news process. It is recommended that citizen journalists be encouraged to get basic training in ethical training in ethical reporting and fact checking, while professional journalists should always continue to adapt to digital trends to secure relevance in the modern media landscape.

This research explores the influence of social media in shaping political attitude among first-time voters in Nigeria, focusing on the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Karu Community, FCT Nigeria. Social media has become a crucial factor in modern electoral processes, and understanding its impact is essential for democratic consolidation. The study aims to examine the social media platforms predominantly used during elections, understand social media's influence on voters' perception, and identify the challenges associated with the use of social media in the democratic process. The study surveyed respondents in Karu Community, FCT Abuja, gathering data on their social media usage, political engagement, and perceptions. Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp are the predominant platforms used by voters. Social media played a pivotal role in shaping voters' perceptions and influencing electoral outcomes. It is a key source of political information, but also spreads misinformation and hate speech. Respondents overwhelmingly agree that social media influences their views on political candidates. Misinformation is the top challenge, followed by lack of credible sources and perceived bias. The study highlights social media's significant role in modern electoral processes, shaping voter perceptions and influencing outcomes. While it provides a conduit for politicians to reach voters, it also poses challenges like misinformation and hate speech. Electoral stakeholders and policymakers should harness social media's potential while mitigating its challenges. Regulations can ensure social media platforms are used responsibly and ethically during electoral processes, promoting a more informed and engaged citizenry essential for democratic consolidation in Nigeria and other emerging democracies

The study examined press coverage of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria
through selected national newspapers, namely Vanguard, Punch, and The
Nation of 2025. The study was anchored on the Agenda Setting Theory and
Social Responsibility Theory. The researcher findings of the study, adopted a
content analysis research design, with data collected from 92 sampled
editions of the selected newspapers using a coding sheet as the research
instrument. The study revealed that Nigerian newspapers gave considerable
attention to banditry and kidnapping, with Punch recording the highest level
of coverage, followed by Vanguard and The Nation. Secondly, the study
discovered that coverage of banditry and kidnapping was largely occasional
and event-driven, with limited follow-up reports and investigative stories.
Thirdly, the findings showed that stories on banditry and kidnapping were
given significant prominence, as many reports appeared on the front pages
and centre spreads of the newspapers, indicating the importance attached to
insecurity issues, among others. Based on the findings, it is concluded that
media organisations should move beyond event-based reporting by investing
in investigative journalism and explanatory reports that address the causes
and consequences of insecurity. Additionally, journalists should receive
continuous training on conflict-sensitive and ethical security reporting to
reduce sensationalism and promote responsible coverage. Newspapers
should also increase the use of analytical genres such as features and
editorials to provide deeper understanding of banditry and kidnapping. Finally,
media organisations should strengthen their commitment to social
responsibility by adopting reporting practices that support public safety,
accountability, and peaceful resolution of security challenges in Nigeria