LITERACY CRISIS VERSUS DIGITAL SHIFTS: AN INVESTIGATION ON NIGERIA STUDENTS’ APATHY TO BOOKS READING

ABSTRACT This study examined “Literacy Crisis versus Digital Shifts: An Investigation into Nigerian Students’ Apathy toward Book Reading”, Three objectives formed the basis for this study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 210 respondents. The responses were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, and a five-point Likert scale to determine the degree of agreement or disagreement with each statement. Data collected indicated that students’ interest in printed books had significantly declined due to the growing attraction to digital platforms and online media. The findings also indicated that digitization had a strong influence on students’ declining reading habits, as digital media often distracted learners from focused academic reading. However, it was also discovered that integrating digital tools with reading activities, creating book clubs, and assigning more reading-based assessments could help rekindle students’ interest in book reading. The study concluded that although digital advancement had widened access to information, but a decline in traditional reading culture among Nigerian students. It recommended that institutions and parents should encourage balanced reading habits that combine both digital and print materials, promote reading competitions, and establish awareness program to restore active reading culture among students.