The Rivers State Chapter of the Reading Association of Nigeria, RAN, has expressed concern over the declining reading culture among students and young people, warning that Nigeria may be heading for an intellectual crisis if urgent measures are not taken to restore the nation’s reading culture.
Chairperson of the Association and Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, IAUE, Port Harcourt, Prof. Ibiere Ken-Maduako, who stated this in an interview with our Correspondent, lamented that many young Nigerians now devote substantial portions of their day to social media activities, while showing little interest in reading books and other valuable educational materials.
The university has stressed the need for literacy advocacy programmes aimed at promoting reading habits among students and youths in the state in particular, and Nigeria generally.
According to her, the trend poses serious implications for academic excellence, leadership development and natural growth.
“What we are witnessing today is not merely a decline in reading habits; it is a gradual erosion of the intellectual foundation upon which future generation leaders and national transformation depend,” she said.
Prof. Ken- Maduako observed that while digital technology has created enormous opportunities for learning and information sharing, its misuse has contributed significantly to declining reading habits among students.
“Many students can spend six good hours online watching videos, chatting and following social media trends, but they find it difficult to read six pages of a book. That reality should concern every stakeholder in the education sector,” the Dean asserted.
She described the situation as a growing challenge that requires collective action from parents, teachers, educational institutions, government agencies and the private sector. Developing critical thinking, creativity, communication skills and informed citizenship.
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“Books expose young minds to ideas, knowledge and possibilities beyond their immediate environment. Once reading disappears, the capacity for critical thinking and innovation begins to diminish,” Prof. Ken- Maduako.
She warned that countries that neglect literacy and reading culture often struggle to build strong institutions and sustainable development.
“No nation can rise above the quality of knowledge possessed by its citizens. Reading is the gateway to knowledge, and knowledge remains the foundation of progress”.
“Many students now rely solely on brief online content rather than engaging in extensive reading and Independent research,” she noted.
According to her, the growing preference for instant digital gratification over intellectual engagement is gradually weakening the culture of scholarship that once characterized educational institutions across the country.
“The challenge before us is not technology itself. The challenge is ensuring that technology serves learning rather than replacing it. We must not allow entertainment to take the place of education,” the Professor said.
She stressed that efforts to revive reading culture must begin at the family level, where parents are expected to encourage reading and serve as role models for their children.
“Children often imitate what they see. When parents cultivate the habit of reading, they are more likely to raise children who appreciate books and lifelong learning”.
” I call on government at all levels to invest more in libraries, educational resources and literary programmes capable of reigniting interest in reading among young people.
” I also urge schools to establish functional reading clubs, organize literary competitions and create environments that encourage intellectual curiosity.
“We must deliberately create opportunities that make reading attractive again. The future of our educational system depends on the actions we take today,” he maintained.
The literacy advocate said that the nation stands at a critical crossroads where it must choose between nurturing a generation of informed thinkers or allowing intellectual development to be overshadowed by digital distractions.
“A society that celebrates visibility more than knowledge risks producing celebrities without substance. We must raise readers if we hope to raise responsible leaders”.
” Restoring reading culture should be regarded as a national priority capable of strengthening education and socio- economic development. The leaders, innovators, inventors and nation- builders of tomorrow are sitting in our classrooms today.
“Whether they realize their potential will depend largely on the value we place on reading and learning. When a society stops reading, it gradually stops thinking. And when it stops thinking, its future becomes uncertain”, Professor Ibiere Ken- Maduako concluded.
