A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF EFFECT AND FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR POOR READING CULTURE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background Of The Study

Reading is often regarded as a necessary component of educational performance and is also a necessary component of any learning setting. It is also the foundation of education. Therefore , access to information is critical for both individual and corporate educational growth. Information is vital because it serves as a bridge between ignorance and knowledge. Reading is a significant source of information (Yusuf, 2007). Reading is the foundation for all other academic accomplishments. It is an effective way to increase one's vocabulary, word strength, and language abilities. According to Tella and Akande (2007), the capacity to read is fundamental to self-education and lifelong learning and is a transformative skill capable of improving both life and society. Yani (2003) asserted that Nigerian students' reading habits have become a cause of worry for both educational and national development. He continued by stating that in a growing nation such as Nigeria, the issue of reading habits should not be overlooked. This is because reading enables humans to become more educated and to have a greater understanding of the world in which they live. Moreoverso, reading enables a deeper comprehension of one's own experience and may be an exhilarating journey of self discovery. A youngster who develops a reading habit always outperforms his peers in school because he learns more knowledge and comprehends what is being taught in class better than his peers.

It's disheartening to see that Nigeria's reading culture has deteriorated in recent years. This is because the overall direction has prioritized less significant matters. For example, the majority of teenagers feel that reading does not result in immediate financial gain. People assume that education and reading are long-term investments that do not immediately return a profit but rather, if at all, future money (Harnab, 2012). As a consequence, many students no longer value reading culture. A close examination of reading demonstrates its importance. Reading involves a number of systems, including eye-to-eye movement, tracing, and hand movement while reading (Chamra, 2011). Thus, a bad reading habit has an effect on more than just English language competency; it may also have an effect on pupils' overall academic performance.

Additionally, there is a widespread perception that many Nigerian students dislike reading. Numerous teachers often bemoan their pupils' poor reading habits, which might have ramifications for their psychological and intellectual growth. Edomwandagbon (2005) was certain that if students preparing for internal and external exams took use of library resources and studied their notes and textbooks meticulously, the incidences of cheating, impersonation, examination malpractice, and cultism would be significantly decreased. Omo-Ojugo (2005) asserts that the ordinary graduate who leaves a university or polytechnic with a degree or certificate is unworthy of the qualification conferred.

1.2   Statement Of The Problem

The widespread perception that Nigerian pupils' reading habits are deteriorating is both frightening and irritating. The high failure rate on tests, the rising dropout rate, the generation of half-baked graduates, and so on, all have a negative impact on the country's social, economic, and political well-being (Chioma, 2011). Students who do not study their assigned textbooks or for enjoyment are impeding the government's attempt to combat illiteracy (Charles, 2014). As a result, the much-needed personnel that tertiary institutions are intended to create falls short of the requisite level due to students' casual attitude toward reading. According to Tunde (2010), many students who might have made significant contributions if adequately educated opt out owing to low performance on tests due to insufficient preparation. Thus, this research will examine the state of reading culture among Nigerian undergraduate students and the variables that work against the development of a healthy reading culture in Nigerian universities.

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

The overall aim of this study is to critically examine the effect and factors responsible for poor reading culture among university students. Hence, the study will be channeled to the following specific objectives;

Identify the causes of poor reading culture among university students in Nigeria.

Ascertain the consequences of poor reading culture among university students in Nigeria.

Determine the effect of poor reading culture on the academic attainment of university students in Nigeria.

1.4. Research Question

In the course of this study, the following questions will be addressed;

1.        What are the causes of poor reading culture among university students in Nigeria?

2.        What are the consequences of poor reading culture among university students in Nigeria?

3.        What is the effect of poor reading culture on the academic attainment of university students in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance Of The Study

This study was designed to investigate whether students reading culture can affect their academic achievement in school. It was also intended to find out why students cannot develop positive reading culture.

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as literature review. This means that, other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to the effect and factors responsible for poor reading culture among university students.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

This study is structured to generally examine the effect and factors responsible for poor reading culture among university students. However, the study will further identify the causes of poor reading culture among university students in Nigeria, ascertain the consequences of poor reading culture among university students in Nigeria, and determine the effect of poor reading culture on the academic attainment of university students in Nigeria.

This study will therefore be delimited to federal university, Awka, Anambra State.

1.7 Limitation Of The Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition Of Terms

The following terms were used in the course of this study:

Assessment: the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something

Reading culture: refers to habitual and regular reading of books and information materials.

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