Media and state in independent Nigeria | Mayowa Soremekun ( History and Politics )
This research analyses how Nigerian governments have utilised media creation and censorship since independence . Scholarship on the relationship between the Nigerian state and media has focused on state force . While this perspective is valuable , this research takes a different approach by focusing on media creation and censorship throughout Nigerian history . In doing so , it demonstrates that media control is used by the Nigerian state when state force fails to exert influence . The research also helps to establish broader political trends in Nigeria . This research will reveal the importance media control has to the exertion of social control in Nigeria .
LIGHTENING TALKS
Evaluation of the Community Investment Fund provided by Stokeon-Trent City Council | Jaspreet Devgon ( Criminology and Sociology ) and Charly Freeman
The research provided an evaluation of the Community Investment Fund delivered by Stokeon-Trent City Council in 2020 . Priority areas of the funding included : supporting vulnerable communities , enabling residents to fulfil their potential , helping businesses thrive and working with communities to ensure a healthier , safer and sustainable future . Research was conducted in July 2021 through the use of surveys , where the aim was to identify benefits gained by the funded organisations and service users , as well as understand any barriers to success . Additionally , two case studies were obtained from organisations that were used to explore the community impact of the funding . The research found that areas for improvement included improved communication between the council and organisations , and reaching more members of BAME communities . On this basis , this research recommends social media marketing as a tool that organisations can use to reach a wider network of people and raise awareness about the Community Investment Fund .
Exploring digital exclusion in Stoke-on-Trent | Dominic Harrop-Pender ( Geography and History ) and Kareena Punj ( Law )
Digital exclusion prevents individuals from fully participating in society , exacerbating other forms of social exclusions . Our research on digital exclusion in Stoke-on-Trent found that digital literacy was a reiterating theme , especially in terms of how one reads and processes online information . This issue is deeply concerning , as digital competence is vital for daily life . Our research conducted online questionnaires , interviews , and focus groups for a lived experience of a wider determinant lens , exploring young adults , community support groups , disability groups and minority ethnic groups . We found that low levels of digital literacy facilitates digital exclusion , making it a significant problem in entrenching further social inequalities . This report formed part of a successful bid for the ‘ Levelling up Fund ’, indicating the importance of digital literacy as this fund hopes to improve the everyday life of those living in Stoke-on-Trent .
The effectiveness of being a member of a team in sport for autistic children | Kayleigh Ostle ( Psychology and Criminology )
One in a hundred children in the UK have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder . Many children with autism have challenges with social skills , restricted motor movements , repetitive behaviour , and hyperactivity . Scholarship demonstrates that being part of a sports team can enhance social skills , motor skills , and mental development , as well as decrease hyperactivity . I conducted a literature review to analyse the effects of being a member of a sports team on children with autism . The findings from this research help us to understand how we can support children on the autism spectrum by ensuring they have equitable opportunities to participate in sport activities in schools and in their communities . The research can aid coaches , sports teachers , and parents and guardians to support children with autism who want to engage in a sport or be a member of a team .
Keele Conference of Undergraduate Research ( KCUR ) 2022 11