Investigation into the reading culture of undergraduates in Nigerian universities: A qualitative approach

Abstract

A strong reading culture is an essential tool for anybody who wants to achieve in life. It broadens students' knowledge, breadth of knowledge, and enjoyment. Reading culture is crucial for personal and academic success, and its significance cannot be over-emphasised. This study was designed to investigate the reading culture of undergraduates in federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria. Three objectives guided the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study while focus group discussion was used for data collection. A total of three sessions of focus group discussion were held with eighteen undergraduates across the three universities selected for the study which are, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos, Lagos. Six undergraduates were selected from each of the universities to form the sample for the study. Data collected were analysed using Atlas ti8. The findings revealed that the undergraduates read majorly for academic purposes and that they undergraduates have positive attitudes towards reading.. The study recommended that university management should make the curriculum more flexible to enable undergraduates to be involved in reading exercises other than academics. Undergraduates should also make determined efforts to engage more in pleasure/recreational reading to enhance their reading culture.