Stakeholders’ Awareness in Redeeming Communication Impairments of Pupils in Selected Basic Schools in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Countries wishing to be an integral part of the 21st century community need to develop all their children in complete health, academic, finances, science, technology and social-cultural activities. This study aims to create awareness in the mass media and to find solutions to their learning and communication activities. It investigated health issues of children with communication impairments at selected basic schools' levels in areas of Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states in North Central Nigeria. Using learning theory by B. F. Skinner and others, as well as the agenda setting theory, the study used investigative and field surveys to analyze the affected children. Through purposive sampling technique, data were collated and analyzed on sampled 540 communication impaired children. Findings of the study revealed; causes of communication impairments in the affected children, inappropriate activities of parents, teachers, religious organizations and medical practitioners to help the children. Based on the findings, the study recommends diagnosis for the affected children, treatments, early awareness through enlightenment programmes in the mass media, special courses and trainings for teachers, reinforcements and motivations of both teachers and medical practitioners to remedy the communication irregularities. Prioritization of information on communication impairment can provide solutions to the malady.