This study reviews the evolution of Nigerian broadcasting from 1935 to 1979, with emphasis on the development of Nigerian television broadcasting. The problem was to discern how Nigeria's social and political structures have affected its radio and television system. The study concludes that both the heterogeneity of Nigerian society and the country's continued political unrest pose a threat to either private or government ownership of television stations. Today, approximately 1.5 million television sets serve over 80 million Nigerians, and this imbalance should be corrected before Nigerian television can be considered a mass medium. Nigeria's present administration maintains that its control of the country's television is necessary; critics feel, however, that federal control restrains television from developing its potential, especially in promoting national unity.

The purpose of this study is to set forth the history of radio in Nigeria. Chapters explore the history of Nigeria, the history of Nigerian radio, and the present structure of Nigerian radio. In a final chapter, specific historical factors are isolated that have made Nigerian radio what it is today. The study concludes that the present structure of Nigerian radio is a direct product of the peculiar history of Nigeria as a former British Colony. Little can be done to solve the problems of Nigerian radio unless the problems of Nigeria itself are first solved.