How the COVID-19 shutdown revealed the effectiveness of a northern Nigerian educational media program (2023)

COVID-19, Educational media, Northern Nigeria, Akili and Me, Early childhood education, Media intervention, Literacy, Numeracy, Socio-emotional development

Location: Nigeria

Reference citation: Borzekowski et al. 2023;

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Study Summary

The study investigated the impact of the educational TV show “Akili and Me” during the pandemic. 

Objectives:

• To assess the effectiveness of “Akili and Me” as an educational media program in northern Nigeria.
• To understand how children’s learning outcomes were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools were closed.

Methods:

• The study was initially designed as a quasi-experimental intervention with schools.
• Due to the pandemic, schools closed, and the study adapted to a naturalistic setting.
• Researchers contacted 363 children who had provided data at baseline and completed the intervention.
• They measured literacy, numeracy, shape recognition, socio-emotional development, and program receptivity.

Implications:

• The study provides evidence that educational media can positively impact early learning skills during crises.
• It highlights the importance of locally produced educational content in low- and middle-income countries.

Key Takeaways:

• Children who could name more characters from “Akili and Me” performed better across various learning outcomes.
• The study suggests that educational media can be a valuable tool for home learning when traditional schooling is disrupted.

Significance: This research underscores the potential of educational media programs to support children’s learning during challenging times.

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