READING CULTURE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG FIRST YEAR STUDENTS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA

Purpose: The study investigated reading culture and academic performance among first year students in some selected universities in Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a descriptive survey using questionnaire to collect data. The population of the study consists of 355 first year students which were randomly picked from some selected universities in Nigeria. A total of the 355 questionnaires were distributed only 309 were retrieved. Descriptive statistics, (mean and percentage) were used for analysis. A mean score of 2.5 and above and a percentage score of 50% were considered positive for decision making. Findings: The study revealed the effects of reading culture and academic performance of first year students in some selected universities in Nigeria as follows: Helps them absorb information, understand complex concepts, express their ideas effectively, helps them to pass their examinations and helps them to think positively. Also, the study further confirmed the challenges affecting reading culture and academic performance as lack of time, unable to find books of choice, lack of reading habit, expensive hobby and love for mobile phone. Originality/Value: The study recommends that universities should organize orientation for fresher’s to enable them to see the importance of reading culture and current books should be acquired by the university librarians to stimulate reading culture. Paper Type: Empirical Research