Why Nigerian Higher Institutions Should Embrace Podcast Literacy in Media Courses
Nigerian higher institutions must rethink their approach to media education. As content consumption trends shift from traditional formats to digital, podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for storytelling, information dissemination, and cultural preservation. Yet, podcast literacy remains glaringly absent from most media courses and curricula. It’s time to change that.
The Rising Influence of Podcasts
Over the past decade, podcasts have grown from niche hobby projects into influential platforms for education, entertainment, and community building. Globally, podcasts boast millions of listeners, and Nigeria is not left behind. According to my 2023 survey, 41.7% of respondents now listen to more podcasts, and 28.3% regularly consume educational content, highlighting the growing need for podcast literacy in Nigerian higher institutions.
Podcasts uniquely combine the power of traditional radio with the flexibility of digital media, enabling creators to explore topics that mainstream platforms often overlook. This versatility makes them a potent tool for storytelling, advocacy, and education. Including podcast literacy in media, courses would better prepare students to harness this medium’s full potential, ensuring they’re not just consumers but also adept creators.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Media students in Nigerian universities and polytechnics are typically trained using a curriculum that heavily favours traditional broadcasting—think radio and TV production. While foundational, this approach no longer suffices in a digital-first world. We need a shift from theory-heavy models to frameworks that emphasize practical skills, audience engagement, and digital adaptability. Podcasting perfectly fits this gap.
A podcast literacy course would bridge theoretical concepts like media ethics, narrative structure, and audience analysis with hands-on production skills, including audio editing, voice modulation, scripting, and distribution strategies. This integration would empower students to become well-rounded media practitioners capable of adapting to a variety of platforms.
Empowering Students to Find Their Voice
A podcast literacy program can also help students find their authentic voices and platforms to express them. In an era where youth voices are often marginalized, podcasts present a unique opportunity for Nigerian students to own their narratives. From addressing social issues to showcasing cultural heritage and amplifying grassroots stories, students can create content that matters, and more importantly, resonates.
For instance, a group of journalism students might explore investigative podcasting to shed light on corruption and governance issues. Literature majors could create poetry podcasts that reimagine Nigerian folklore for a modern audience. The possibilities are endless. Equipping students with the skills to create and curate their own content not only prepares them for careers in media but also positions them as thought leaders in their own right.
Cultural Preservation and Promotion
Nigeria’s rich oral traditions and storytelling prowess are well-suited to the podcast format. By incorporating podcast literacy into curricula, institutions can contribute to the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages, folklore, and local histories. This is not just an educational imperative—it’s a cultural one.
Imagine a world where students from different ethnic backgrounds create podcasts in their native languages, bringing to life stories, traditions, and philosophies that could otherwise be lost to time. This is an investment not just in the future of media professionals but in the very fabric of Nigerian identity.
Industry Collaboration and Job Creation
Beyond education, integrating podcast literacy into media courses fosters industry collaboration and creates employment opportunities. The Nigerian podcasting space is expanding, and so is the demand for skilled creators, editors, marketers, and strategists. With platforms like Afroslides, Jamit, and IderaOS supporting local content creators, a structured academic foundation in podcasting could establish pathways for students to connect with industry players and secure internships, mentorships, and job placements.
Moreover, podcast production is relatively low-cost compared to other media forms, making it an accessible entry point for young entrepreneurs. By the time they graduate, students with podcast literacy will be equipped not just to seek employment but to innovate, create, and lead within the African media landscape.
Time for Action
The inclusion of podcast literacy in media courses is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. As Nigeria charts its course in the digital age, our higher institutions must stay ahead by empowering students with skills that align with contemporary media practices. Podcasting is more than a trend; it’s a transformative tool that can shape narratives, build communities, and amplify voices.
Let’s ensure that Nigerian students are not left behind. It’s time to empower the next generation of media professionals to create, collaborate, and lead in the vibrant world of podcasting.