Benue State University, Makurdi

INOCULATING READING SKILLS, LIBRARY USE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL COUNSELLORS AND LIBRARIANS IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

¹David T. Aju, PhD,Tofi, ²Simon Ternenge (CLN) and ³Comfort M. Tyopev
1 & 3 Department of Library and Information Science Benue State University, Makurdi
2. Benue State School of Nursing, Makurdi

Abstract

This paper discussed the imperative for inoculating reading skills, library use and entrepreneurship skills in secondary school students and the implication on school counsellors and librarians in Makurdi Metropolis. The paper further maintained that secondary school students in Makurdi hardly read proficiently. This has been attributed to lack of school libraries, non- utilization of school library resources and lack of reading skills. As such, many students are not self -sustained after graduation due to lack of entrepreneurship skills. This has become a social challenge. In order to address the challenges, the article clarified constructs involved, identified factors inhibiting reading and use of library among secondary school students such as lack of parental guide, poverty and lack of reading materials in school libraries. It further highlighted the implication of inoculating reading skills, library use and entrepreneurship skills in secondary school students on school counsellors and librarians and concluded that, in the information age, reading and creativity are critical to individuals growth and national development as such, they must be considered by education planners in policy formulation for Nigerians from the primary to the tertiary levels of education. Finally, five recommendations were made as the way forward.