Promoting Reading Culture in Nigerian Children

Abstract

The study was to determine the promotion of reading culture among Nigerian children with special emphasis on primary schools in all the five (5) Federal parastatals in Minna metropolis. The study was to determine why, where, problems and strategies for promoting reading culture of primary school children. Survey research method was used with target population of 3,295 children, five headmasters/mistress, i64 teachers and three teacher-librarians making a total of 3,463 population. A sample size of 340 was randomly selected. Questionnaire was used and personally administered by the researchers. Response showed that 172(51%) copies were retrieved. Research findings showed that school children read so as to pass examination and to do assignment and that they read in classrooms and parlour of their respective houses. Major problems affecting formation of reading culture include, lack of library period in the school timetable and lack of library in homes. Teachers were of the view that regular assignment and book loan would promote reading culture. The study recommends that primary school children be given orientation 011 the role of reading in the overall development of mankind. Standard school libraries with well stocked reading materials should be provided in all primary schools within the metropolis. Parents should also be encouraged to establish a well stocked library in their homes to complement- school libraries.

Keywords: Reading culture promotion, Nigerian children