IMPACT OF POOR FUNDING OF NIGERIA LIBRARIES ON THE LITERACY SKILL OF STUDENTS IN ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY AKUNGBA AKOKO ONDO STATE

This study investigates the Impact of poor funding of Nigerian university libraries on the literacy skills of students, using the Adekunle Ajasin University Library, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State as a case study. The research explores how inadequate financial support affects library operations, resource availability, infrastructure, and ultimately, students’ ability to develop critical literacy skills necessary for academic and personal development. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of students across various faculties to gather data on their access to library resources, frequency of usage, perceived challenges, and the effect of library services on their reading, writing, and research skills. Data were analyzed using simple frequency counts and percentages. Findings revealed that poor funding has led to outdated collections, insufficient ICT infrastructure, limited access to academic databases, and an unconducive reading environment. These shortcomings significantly hinder students’ academic engagement, limit their exposure to diverse sources of information, and negatively affect the development of essential literacy skills. The study concludes that sustained underfunding of university libraries poses a major barrier to quality education and academic excellence. It recommends that university management and government bodies prioritize library funding to ensure students have access to adequate learning resources and support systems that foster literacy development and lifelong learning.