Wrong Use of Internet and Neglect of Library by Nigerian University Students: An Implication for English Studies

Abstract

<p>With the advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools like mobile phones, computer, satellite TV, smartphones, internet, among several other devices, gross neglect use of libraries is very rampant among Nigerian students while a tremendous use of the ICT devices is on the increase. This has led to “Stereotyping” and “Xeroxing” of what ought to be a serious academic work as only a few students are regarded as ardent users of libraries. The population of the study consists of two government-owned universities and two privately owned universities in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. Random sampling technique was employed to select 25 male and 25 female students from each of the four universities, but only 196 students out of 200 made available their questionnaire that was used in computing the result. Two library experts and two English experts’ advice were sought on the questionnaire for content validity. The instrument was subjected to test re-test technique producing 0.57 at 0.05 alpha level of significant. The finding of the result showed that very high percentage of the respondents favoured the use of ICT related gadgets for their academic pursuit. Based on this, it was concluded that the use of ICT related gadgets now affects students’ serious academic work since they rely mostly on stereotype and Xerox kinds of studying. To this end, it was recommended among other things that teachers should, as a matter of seriousness, cross check all submitted assignments by students to make sure that they are devoid of stereotype or Xerox.</p>