The Teaching and Learning of Literature in Secondary School: To Be or Not to Bе

The study aims at exposing some factors militating against the teaching and learning of Literature in Senior Secondary Schools in Badagry Local Government area of Lagos State. The population consists of 150 Senior Secondary School students and 10 teachers from five Secondary Schools in the Local Government. Students" questionnaire and Teachers' questionnaire used for the study through the use of Chi - square statistical instrument provide the following results: 1. There is a significant need for the teaching and learning of Literature in the Secondary School Curriculum. 2. Literature plays a significant role in the development of an individual. 3. There are factors militating against the teaching and learning of literature. 4. There is no significant difference in the performance of male and female students in Literature. 5. There are significant techniques that can improve the teaching and learning of literature. 6. From the results, it is crystal clear that the respondents (the teachers and students) are quite aware of the importance of Literature in English for effective academic functioning. Based on this, recommendations are made for the improvement on teaching and learning of literature.