What question did this study set out to answer?

This research investigates the challenges faced by visually impaired students in the Mass Communication program and explores potential inclusivity strategies.

June 18, 2026

Inclusive education: Identifying and addressing the challenges of studying mass communication with visual impairment at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Key Points

This research investigates the challenges faced by visually impaired students in the Mass Communication program and explores potential inclusivity strategies.
Qualitative research using in-depth interviews and personal observations.
Purposive sampling of 25 visually impaired students over a 13-year period.
Data collection through an interview guide.
Difficult access to infrastructure and significant inadequacies in educational resources.
Insufficient availability of teaching materials, assistive technologies, and trained staff for visually impaired students.
Recommendations for university and government actions include installing screen reading technology and establishing a dedicated disability office.

Abstract

Abstract This research sought to determine the challenges faced by visually impaired students of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It also examined how inclusion in areas such as curricular and facilities can be applied to address these challenges. The study employed the qualitative research methods of in-depth interview and personal observation in collecting data. The interview guide was the instrument for data collection. The study was anchored on Vygotsky’s theories of dysontogenesis and social learning. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 25 visually impaired respondents comprising undergraduates and graduates of the department over a 13-year period. Findings revealed that infrastructure was accessed with difficulty by these students and there was high inadequacy of teaching and learning materials, special/assistive technologies, trained staff and funds for the teaching and learning of the visually impaired students. Hence it was recommended that the university, government and other stakeholders take special actions to address the needs of visually impaired students, like installation of screen reading technology on computers in libraries and the establishment of a disability office in the department with specially trained staff to cater to the peculiar needs of the visually impaired. Key Words: Inclusive Education, Mass Communication, Visual Impairment, University of Nigeria. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 14, No. 2, October 2022, pp. 121-134 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). About the authors *Ademola Abdulrauf Adeleke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a film producer, actor and screen writer with Creat! Creativity Limited, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. **Edith Ugochi Ohaja, Ph.D., (Corresponding Author) is a Senior Lecturer at the Mass Communication Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Her research interests include journalism, communication education, new media, the ethics and effects of mass communication. Article Citation Adeleke, A.A. & Ohaja, E.U. (2022). Inclusive education: Identifying and addressing the challenges of studying mass communication with visual impairment at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14 (2): 121-134. Full Article Words: 9,695 Pages: 14 To access full article, click on download.

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