CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
Background of the Study
There is no doubt that the level of development in a country is directly proportional to the literacy level. Rather than improving on the literacy rating, various findings indicted that Nigeria keeps on retrogressing (Olanrewaju, 2008). Reading is essential to full participation in modern society. It adds quality to life, provides access to cultural heritage, empowers and emancipates citizens as well as brings people together.
Holt (1998), remarks that a situation in which a large number of people rarely read, either because they lack the skill or simply because they do not care enough to take time to concentrate will pose on of the fundamental building blocks of learning. Becoming a skilled and adaptable reader enhances the chances of success at school and beyond. Sisulu added that reading is not just for school, it is for life.
Reading in all its variety is vital to being better informed, have a better understanding of self as well as others. It makes a person to be thoughtful and constructive contributor to a democratic and cohesive society (Sisulu, 2004). The absence of a widespread culture of reading in the case of Nigeria pupils act as an effective barrier to their academic performances. The economic, social and political health of our nation today depends on building literate citizens that are able to read widely and apply it practically for development (Olanrewaju, 2008).
Most of the problems we have in this country today are traceable to the high rate/level of illiteracy. If a person can read and write, he will most certainly be able to avoid certain things that can harm him. He will be able to get information from different sources on what to do to be healthy. He will know how to take care of himself to stay healthy (Nssien, 2008).
Osundare (2009), notes that a country’s level of development is a function of its level of mental and cultural evaluation as well as the state of its educational advancement, which is embedded on building a high level of literacy in all facets of the population. He states further that Nigeria needs to improve its literacy level because literacy is the fore runner of a country’s development.
The fact remains that unless a solution is found to the dwindling or poor reading culture of pupils in Nigeria, the country will continue to battle with underdevelopment. It is therefore a necessity to make the present generation more aware of the benefits and importance of reading and ensuring that they have the literacy skills required in the modern society. Inspite of the importance of reading among school pupils, to his end, the researcher sought to know the causes of this poor reading culture and how it affect pupils’ academic performance in English language.