CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF RADIO BROADCASTING FOR ISLAMIC DAʿWAH IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Radio broadcasting remains an important medium for Islamic daʿwah (Islamic propagation and education) in Nigeria, particularly in communities where access to the internet and other digital platforms is limited. In Kwara State, Islamic radio programmes provide opportunities to disseminate religious knowledge, promote moral values and strengthen Muslims’ understanding of Islamic teachings. However, their effectiveness is challenged by financial constraints, inadequate technical facilities, limited audience participation and other institutional and operational difficulties. This study examined the challenges and opportunities of radio broadcasting for Islamic daʿwah in Kwara State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the perceived relevance, accessibility and reach of Islamic radio programmes, identified the major challenges confronting their production and transmission, and explored opportunities for improving their educational and religious contributions. The study adopted a descriptive mixed-methods design involving 300 questionnaire respondents, supplemented by interviews, observation and content analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and mean scores, while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings revealed favourable perceptions of programme relevance (mean = 4.54; 98.3%) and the accessibility of religious messages through familiar languages (mean = 4.54; 98.0%). Radio was also considered useful for reaching audiences with limited internet access (mean = 4.38; 92.7%). However, audience participation was comparatively lower (mean = 3.19; 59.3%). Major challenges included inadequate funding (80.7%), production costs (79.0%) and limited access to modern technology (77.0%). The study recommends sustainable funding, improved technical facilities, greater audience participation and responsible integration of digital platforms. It concludes that radio offers valuable opportunities for Islamic religious education in Kwara State, provided its operational challenges are systematically addressed.