ABSTRACT: The study investigated the influence of Abule Oloke Merin in educating youths on HIV/AIDS and sex with a case study of Osun State University, students. The study was anchored on Perception Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory. A survey research method was used while questionnaire was to elicit data from the selected respondents who were drawn through accidental sampling technique within Osun State University, Osogbo campus. The data collected were analyzed and interpreted using frequency and percentage method. Findings revealed that, majority of respondents claimed that Able Looked Merin has helped to educate and enlighten the public on HIV/AIDS and how to curb it. It was recommended that special presenter should be groomed on health and education programmes while regular training and seminars should also be done for presenters on health drama.

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1    Background to the Study

The media has a great impact on the youths of this generation as it is very widely available in many forms. It is fast emerging the most effective way to educate youths about sex related issues. It is also true that in south western Nigeria, it is a taboo for parents to talk to their children about reproductive health issues. So many youths lack the information on sex and its related problems including sexually transmitted diseases (Oke, 2008).       

One of the sex education programmes is Abule Oloke Merin transmitted on radio Nigeria. A radio drama programme titled “Abule Oloke Merin” in a Nigerian local language (Yoruba) is aired on FM radio stations across south western part of Nigeria which addresses questions, queries and issues about AIDS, sex and all issues concerning sexuality. The radio program is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Lawrence (1975), many people have called on the radio programmes thanking the organizers for the information given and declaring a change in sexual behavior. Many youths have declared no sex before marriage. For those who cannot abstinence display openness in purchasing of condoms at shops or pharmacies. Tim (2001). There is no argument about the impact that the media exacts on youths is been felt. The media will definitely continue playing an important role in the disseminating of information, not only to youths, but the community as well.

Peter (2010) observes that radio drama (or audio drama, audio play, radio play or radio theater) is a dramatized, purely acoustic performance, broadcast on radio with no visual component. Radio drama depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to help the listener imagine the characters and story: “It is auditory in the physical dimension but equally powerful as a visual force in the psychological dimension.

Radio drama achieved widespread popularity within a decade of its initial development in the 1920s. By the 1940s, it was a leading international popular entertainment. The terms “audio drama” or “audio theatre” are sometimes used synonymously with “radio drama” with one possible distinction: audio drama or audio theatre may not necessarily be intended specifically for broadcast on radio.

Walter K. et al. (2001) says audio drama, whether newly produced or OTR classics, can be found on CDs, cassette tapes, podcasts, webcasts and conventional broadcast radio. Hence the research examines the influence of Abule-Oloke- Merin Audio drama in educating youth on HIV/AIDS with a particular reference to the students of Osun state Polytechnic, Iree.

1.2    Statement of the Problem 

So many youths lack the information on sex and its related problems including sexually transmitted diseases.     Mass media is fast emerging the most effective way to educate youths about sex related issues. Therefore, the researcher aims to study the “Influence of Abule Oloke Merin Audio Drama in Educating Youths on HIV/Aids” (A case study of Osun State Polytechnic, Students)

1.3    Objectives of the Study

1. To know whether Abule Oloke Merin radio drama has impact on students of Osun state Polytechnic.
2. To find out some of the effects of Abule-Oloke Merin on students of Osun state Polytechnic, Iree.

1.4    Research Questions

1. Does Abule Oloke Merin radio drama have impact on students of Osun state Polytechnic, Iree?
2. What are the effects of Abule-Oloke Merin to students of Osun state Polytechnic, Iree?

1.5    Significance of the Study

This study will show parents how to be responsible for the upbringing and training of their children instead of living such training to their peers, television and teacher. Therefore, the findings of this research will serve as a good material for both scholars and students of mass communication and others in related fields who might want to carry out similar or related research in the future.

Media houses will also learning how to schedule their programmes and know the nature of the programmes to be transmitted. This research will benefit adolescent, youth and even the married one on sex education and other sex matters that they may not be bold to ask anyone.

1.6    Scope of the Study

The scope of the study has been limited to Abule Oloke- Merin radio drama on Gold F.M 95.5, Ilesha and its listeners. Due to time factor, all media houses transmitting Abule Oloke Merin drama cannot be study in all and that is while is narrowed to Gold 95.5 FM, Ilesha and students of Osun state Polytechnic, Iree

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Impact: It means the role or contribution of Abule Oloke Merin on students of Osun state Polytechnic, Iree.

Radio Drama: This is a form of drama on radio station or called radio theatre such as Abule Oloke Merin on Gold F.M 95.5, Ilesha.  

Broadcast Station: This is a means of transmitting information to a wider audience through radio and television such as Unique F.M 95.5

Abule Oloke Merin: This is a 15 minute radio drama designed to educate youth on sex and sexual transmitted diseases, the script is written by Kola Ogunjobi.

WHAT TO EXPECT: (Format: MS WORD, Chapter 1-5, Abstract, Table of Contents, Questionnaire and References)

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