The advent and growth of television broadcasting in Nigeria

The history of television broadcasting in Nigeria revolves around the suitability of the medium for political propaganda and for educational broadcasting. This article examines political and educational motivation for the establishment of television in Nigeria from 1959 when the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) was established to early 1962 when the Federal Government and the three existing regional governments each had a television station of its own. The creation of new states was accompanied by the proliferation of television stations until the establishment of the Nigerian Television Authority (N.T.A.) checked this proliferation and wastage of resources. The article assesses the performance of educational television broacasting in Nigeria and concludes that it has largely been successful.