Trend of newspaper consultation by students of federal University of Technology, Owerri

Abstract

The research investigated the trend of Newspaper consultation by the students of Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Survey research design was adopted for this Study. Data was obtained from the University Library’s Records of users’ statistics for Newspaper consultation for ten years, 2004-2013. Questionnaire was administered to 300 randomly selected undergraduates who visited the library within the period of this study to elicit information on the choice of Newspaper and reason for the preference. 274 correctly filled copies (91.3%) were used for this study. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and Tables. The outcome of the study revealed that Dailysun was most consulted in 2004-2007, 2012 and 2013 while The Guardian took the lead in 2008 and 2010 with Vanguard in 2009 and Thisday in 2011. The preference ranged from 110 (40.1%) for Dailysun, Punch had 56 (20.4%). Reason for the preference was far from academic work. Scholarship, Job adverts and health tips gained prominence. The study recommends more awareness on the importance of Newspaper consultation in enhancing learning and research.

Keywords: Newspaper, Students, University, Technology