Trials and Triumphs of the Nigerian Media in the Quest for Nation-Building

Abstract

There is no doubt that journalism has gained a foothold in Nigeria as a profession. From the colonial times to the present day, the Nigerian media, as an institution, has proved relevant in the gradual evolution into nationhood of the diverse entities that make up the nation. But one thing is glaring and that is: in spite of the enormous input the Nigerian press has made through an avalanche of sacrifices to the development of the nation, not much scholarly attention is accorded such feats.Emphasis tends to be more on the isolated cases of dysfunctional role the media has played as an institution in the Nigerian society. This paper seeks to redirect intellectual focus to an objective evaluation of the contributions the Nigerian media has made to the development of the country even though, as a caveat, the study does not intend to serve as an alibi for the shortcomings of the press in Nigeria.