Survey of Radio Broadcasting as a Distance Education Tool in Rural Communities in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria

This study surveys the role of radio broadcasting as a distance education delivery tool in rural communities in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. Radio remains one of the most widely accessible communication technologies in rural Nigeria, reaching populations that lack smartphones, reliable electricity, or internet connectivity. In the context of persistent out-of-school challenges in North West Nigeria, educational radio programmes represent a potentially impactful intervention. A descriptive survey design was employed with a sample of 180 adults and adolescent out-of-school learners from six rural communities in Gusau, Maru, and Bungudu Local Government Areas. A structured questionnaire assessed radio access, listening frequency, perceived educational value, and comprehension of content. Findings reveal high radio ownership (78 percent of respondents) and moderate listening frequency, but low awareness of specific educational broadcast schedules. Content relevance and language accessibility were identified as critical success factors, with Hausa-language programmes rated significantly more comprehensible than English-language broadcasts. The study recommends that Zamfara State Broadcasting Service expand educational programming in local languages and collaborate with the State Universal Basic Education Board to design curriculum-aligned radio lessons targeting rural out-of-school learners. Keywords: radio broadcasting, distance education, rural communities, Zamfara State, out-of-school learners