READING HABITS OF UNDERGRADUATES IN UNIVERSITIES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract The study investigated the reading habits of undergraduates in universities in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the research were to find out the reading habits of undergraduates and the problems militating against effective reading among them. In carrying out this study, two research questions were raised. Descriptive survey design was utilized for the study. The population of the study was forty-three thousand, five hundred (43,500) undergraduates in three universities in Delta State. The sample size for this study was 500. These universities include: Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State University, Abraka and Western Delta University, Oghara. Four hundred and fifty-two (452) copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and found usable. Proportionate stratified random sampling techniques was used for this study. The instruments used for this study was a researcher developed questionnaire with the title “Reading Habits of Undergraduates Questionnaire”. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentage. Finding form this study showed that the reading habits of undergraduates in Delta State was low. Distraction from the social media/Internet, lack of interest in reading, distraction from friends and non-availability of books were the reason for the decline in undergraduates reading habits. The study recommended among others that university management should ensure the provision of well-equipped library in order to attract undergraduates to come to the library to read. This can be achieved by making available relevant information technologies that will enable the use of social media for educational purpose. Also, lecturers should engage undergraduates in several assignments and presentations and these should form a greater part of their assessment process. Abstract The study investigated the reading habits of undergraduates in universities in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the research were to find out the reading habits of undergraduates and the problems militating against effective reading among them. In carrying out this study, two research questions were raised. Descriptive survey design was utilized for the study. The population of the study was forty-three thousand, five hundred (43,500) undergraduates in three universities in Delta State. The sample size for this study was 500. These universities include: Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State University, Abraka and Western Delta University, Oghara. Four hundred and fifty-two (452) copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and found usable. Proportionate stratified random sampling techniques was used for this study. The instruments used for this study was a researcher developed questionnaire with the title “Reading Habits of Undergraduates Questionnaire”. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentage. Finding form this study showed that the reading habits of undergraduates in Delta State was low. Distraction from the social media/Internet, lack of interest in reading, distraction from friends and non-availability of books were the reason for the decline in undergraduates reading habits. The study recommended among others that university management should ensure the provision of well-equipped library in order to attract undergraduates to come to the library to read. This can be achieved by making available relevant information technologies that will enable the use of social media for educational purpose. Also, lecturers should engage undergraduates in several assignments and presentations and these should form a greater part of their assessment process. Abstract The study investigated the reading habits of undergraduates in universities in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the research were to find out the reading habits of undergraduates and the problems militating against effective reading among them. In carrying out this study, two research questions were raised. Descriptive survey design was utilized for the study. The population of the study was forty-three thousand, five hundred (43,500) undergraduates in three universities in Delta State. The sample size for this study was 500. These universities include: Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State University, Abraka and Western Delta University, Oghara. Four hundred and fifty-two (452) copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and found usable. Proportionate stratified random sampling techniques was used for this study. The instruments used for this study was a researcher developed questionnaire with the title “Reading Habits of Undergraduates Questionnaire”. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentage. Finding form this study showed that the reading habits of undergraduates in Delta State was low. Distraction from the social media/Internet, lack of interest in reading, distraction from friends and non-availability of books were the reason for the decline in undergraduates reading habits. The study recommended among others that university management should ensure the provision of well-equipped library in order to attract undergraduates to come to the library to read. This can be achieved by making available relevant information technologies that will enable the use of social media for educational purpose. Also, lecturers should engage undergraduates in several assignments and presentations and these should form a greater part of their assessment process