NAN-ELS-5
Internet
By Justina David Auta
Abuja, Sept. 9, 2016 (NAN) Some education experts and parents on Friday in Abuja attributed the poor reading culture among children and youths to overreliance on the internet.
The experts also blamed obsolete reading materials in the libraries, poor attitude to learning and teaching, lack of parental guidance and negative peer influence for the poor reading culture among the youth.
Mrs Patience David, an English teacher said although the internet had contributed immensely towards education, too much reliance on it had discouraged students from carrying out research.
“Even though the internet has improved access to reading materials, it is sad that some students rely only on it for their research materials by copying and pasting other peoples work without making any efforts to do their own personal research,’’ she said.
David stressed the need for the government to increase education funds, which she said would improve the sector, as well as increase infrastructural development in the country.
“If more funds are channeled towards education sector, a lot of challenges such as inadequate education materials, infrastructural development, well equipped library and teacher’s training would be addressed.’’
Mr Sunday Adejoh, a teacher said inadequate parental and teacher’s guidance had affected the reading culture among students, especially those in their formative years.
“ There is a need for parents to encourage and guide their children to inculcate the habits of reading instead of doing their homework as some parents do.
“ They shouldn’t leave it for the teachers alone to impact educational knowledge on their children or ward. They should also monitor, assist and also participate in the teaching as well.
“Also, teachers should have passion for their jobs and not use the fact that they are underpaid by either the government or private sector to impact only little on their pupils,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, Malam Isa Mohammed, a civil servant and father of four attributed the poor reading culture to negative peer influence and the social media.
“A lot of students don’t read or study their books. The few that read only study for exams, but spend most of their time on the social media to interact with their friends.
“And this interaction most times are negative, thereby influencing them to behave in a manner that would affect their focus, education and upbringing,’’ he cried.
Mohammed harped on the need for adults and the government to strategise on ways to improve the attitude of students towards education.
Mrs Folasahade Micheal, a parent encouraged all stakeholders to contribute their quota towards reviving reading culture, which she said would not only be beneficial to the individual or family, but the entire nation at large.
“We shouldn’t just leave everything for the government. We all need to put our efforts together towards reviving the culture because other challenges such as the internet, media and other negative vices has affected the quest for education in our country.
“With quality education in our country, Nigeria would be the envy of other nations, I bet you,’’ she said.
NAN reports that UNESCO has set aside Sept. 8 of every year to mark the International Literacy Day.
The aim is to bring to the front burner efforts and progress being made to increase literacy rate around the world, as well as address current challenges and strategise on solutions to boost literacy
The theme of this year was “Reading the Past, Writing the Future”. (NAN)
JAD/EEE
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