Managing Hausa Language Programmes in Nigerian Public Broadcasting: Challenges and Best Practices

Public broadcasting institutions in Nigeria carry a statutory responsibility to promote and use indigenous languages, with Hausa occupying a prominent position as one of three major national languages. This study examines the management of Hausa language programmes in selected Nigerian public broadcasting institutions, identifying operational challenges and documenting best practices. A professional case study design was adopted, gathering data from the Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, and Radio Television Kaduna through document review, institutional records analysis, and interviews with 22 Hausa programme managers, editorial staff, and language quality supervisors. Programme quality assessment criteria were developed in consultation with Hausa language specialists. Findings reveal persistent challenges including inadequate Hausa language specialist staffing, absence of formal in-house Hausa editorial style guides, insufficient professional development support for Hausa presenters, and budget pressures that reduce the proportion of in-house produced Hausa content relative to acquired programming. Best practices identified include peer review systems for broadcast scripts at FRCN Kaduna and the mentorship programme for new Hausa presenters at Radio Kaduna. The study recommends adoption of a national Hausa broadcasting quality standards framework, mandatory Hausa language proficiency assessments for broadcasting staff, and investment in Hausa content creation capacity as a core public service obligation. Keywords: Hausa broadcasting, Programme management, Public media, Language quality, Best practices.