Abstract: The study was carried out in some secondary schools in Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria. The secondary schools were chosen using multi stage random sampling method, 5 of the schools were day school while the remaining 5 were boarding schools. A total number of 120 questionnaires were administered to 60 boarding students and 60 day students. Among many of the information collected were personal characteristics of the students, assessment of students` reading habit and the influence of student reading on their academic performance Results and discussion were presented using frequency counts, percentages. Pearson correlation analysis and T-test were used to test the hypothesis. The study revealed almost equal percentages of male and female students in all the secondary schools selected and they were mostly between the ages of 11-15 years. Most of the boarding students read regularly because they have scheduled time for reading in their curriculum, they sometimes use library and library books. Day students read occasionally especially during examination. in their academic performances, boarders are above average while day students are below average. The students affirmed that reading has positive influence on academic performance. Environmental influence, parental influence, pair pressure, school curriculum and teachers influence are some of the factors militating against better reading habits. Parents and teachers alike are encouraged to train the mind of our youth towards reading and reduce their home and school chores.