Inculcating reading habits among Nigerian secondary schools students: the role of libraries

Abstract

This paper looks at reading habit as process of imbibing a culture of educating, informing and enlightening people. Inculcating reading habit is very essential for the academic achievement of children and this is made possible with the help of trained and qualified teachers who help in guiding children in developing the right attitudes and skills in reading. The paper also identifies the causes of poor reading habits in our society to include poor family environment and background, lack of functional schools and public libraries, inadequate equipment and information resources in schools, and insufficient and ineffective teachers to help the students. The paper also examines other countries that have made advancement in helping its citizens, particularly young people inculcate good reading habits and how Nigeria can learn from the experiences of those countries. The role of libraries in educating its citizens to imbibe good reading culture cannot be overemphasized. This is the only way its citizens can make advancement in their career and make meaningful contribution to the society. The paper concludes by making recommendations that all schools should have functional libraries and the local and state governments should also provide public library services in the nook and crannies of the state to make information accessible to people. This is in addition to having qualified and efficient teaching on reading culture in our secondary schools.

Keywords: reading habits, reading culture, students, children, Nigeria