Media Educational Contents and Youths’ Knowledge in Nigeria Political Activities

Lack of political knowledge can lead to an incomplete comprehension of public policy, prejudice against members of underrepresented groups, and mistrust of political institutions. Whereas a high level of political awareness results in citizens who are politically educated, vigilant, vocal, competent and who have the necessary expertise for political involvement in order to maintain a viable and stable democratic system. To this end, this study examined media educational contents as correlate of Nigerian Youths’ Knowledge in Political Activities Nigeria. The study adopted the correlation survey research design. The study was anchored on Cognitive Engagement Theory. The population considered were Nigerian Youths between the ages of 18-35 years. The population consisted of youths across the six (6) geo-political zones in Nigeria. Stratified and convenience sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents for the study. A self-designed questionnaire, called Media Political Education Contents and Youths’ Knowledge, Questionnaire (MpEcYkQ) was adopted for the study. Copies of the questionnaire were electronically administered using goggle form with the link: https//docs.gooogle.com. Findings showed that 435 (80.2%) of the respondents accessed political education contents on social media and 74.14% (400) accessed via electronics/broadcast. Nigerian youths are very knowledgeable about political activities (83.3%). Media education contents correlates with knowledge of political activities among Nigerian youths at 0.972) which is a high and positive which shows that the relationship is high. This implies that a unit rise in media education contents will lead to an increase in knowledge of political activities among Nigerian youths by 0.972. The study recommended that Government agencies and Non-Government Organisations should invest more in media education as it will keep and equip the youths with political knowledge which will enhance political consciousness likewise the youths should use their knowledge about politics for positive participation in politics rather than negative vices like thuggery and electoral malpractices.