THE National Library of Nigeria has called for the reintroduction of reading hours in timetables of schools nationwide.
The agency said the proposal, alongside many others, forms part of the plan to ensure that there is no dearth of reading culture in Nigerian society.
The Chief Librarian, Prof. Veronica Anunobi, stated this during the launch of the 2024 Annual Readership Promotion campaign which was declared open by the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman in Abuja with the theme: ‘Reading Without Boundaries: A Renewed Hope.’
She said: ‘In a bid to “Catch Them Young,’ this campaign prioritises pupils and students in secondary and primary schools, as well as those in Hard-to-Reach Communities.
“In previous campaigns, we have reached Internally Displaced Persons camps, Nigerian Correctional Centers, artisans, market groups, hospitals, and motor parks, underscoring our commitment to making reading accessible to all segments of society thereby engendering inclusivity.
“Our efforts in reinvigorating reading among Nigerians are multi-faceted. We are advocating for the institution of a National Reading Day and the reintroduction of reading hours into the timetables of all basic and secondary schools across the country.”
She added: “Additionally, our state branches are actively establishing reading clubs nationwide (94 reading clubs are already active with more coming before the end of the year).
“We are also modernising the outlook of our branches to create inviting and attractive reading environments, implementing new prototype buildings while renovating existing ones.
Prof Mamman reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing the headquarters of the National Library of Nigeria. However, he did not state the timeline within which the project would be completed.
According to the minister, the theme aligns with the government’s ‘Education for Renewed Hope’ roadmap, aiming to make literacy a deeply ingrained culture in Nigerian society.
Mamman, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties in the ministry, Zubairu Abdullahi, underscored the importance of reading in unlocking an individual’s potential, innovation and national progress.
The minister said the campaign’s primary focus is breaking down barriers to reading, ensuring everyone has access to reading materials, regardless of background, age or location.
Whether among students/ pupils or teacher to pupils, sexual harassment has become a thorny issue that should not be handled with kid gloves as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) recently raised the alarm on rising cases, especially at the primary and secondary levels of education.
