Abstract
The study explored reading skills, gender, and library use among primary pupils in private
schools, in Asaba, Delta State. Four research objectives, four research questions, and two
hypothesis guided the study. The study population consists of 85 pupils in primary 5. The two
primary schools used are Master Care International School and Noble Academy, both located
in Asaba, Delta State. A purposive sample technique was employed to pick schools with
well-established libraries that are accessible to students. The questionnaire was the instrument
used for data collection. The findings revealed that the student's reading abilities were
determined to be below the standard, signifying a necessity for enhancement in reading
teaching and assistance. There is also a little disparity between male and female students in
library utilization. The students exhibited a high level of involvement with library materials,
and they acquire new vocabulary from library books, indicating a potential area for
enhancement. The study recommends that schools should execute focused reading
interventions, including phonics instruction, vocabulary enhancement activities, and
comprehension tactics, to rectify the observed deficiencies in students' reading abilities. They
can achieve this by incorporating library activities into the school curriculum to enhance their
relevance and engagement for students. The study concluded that the pupils demonstrated
significant involvement with the library, regularly utilizing its resources and participating iits
events. They exhibited a significant degree of library utilization for academic assignments
and personal reading.
Keywords: Delta State, Private Schools, Primary, Pupils, Reading Skills, Gender, and
Library Use
Publication Date: 2025-05-01