Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education and literary sectors have raised concerns over the steady decline in reading culture, warning that the trend, if left unchecked, could undermine the intellectual capacity and future competitiveness of the country’s youth.

The call came at the launch of Village People, a book written by Babatunde Ojobaro, also known as Mister Rain, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Educationists, authors, and literary advocates converged to examine the growing disconnect between young Nigerians and the culture of reading.

Founder of Vale College and daughter of the late Chief Bola Ige, Mrs Funsho Adegbola, urged leaders to take an active role in promoting reading among youths, stressing that certificates alone are insufficient to build well-rounded citizens.

“If leaders read and demonstrate the value of knowledge, people will associate growth with learning rather than shortcuts,” Adegbola said, underscoring the role of mentorship and exposure in shaping a literate and competent youth population.

Adegbola warned about a culture overly focused on certificate-chasing without genuine knowledge acquisition.

“Many people hold certificates, but are they truly educated? Are they well-rounded? We must return to a knowledge-driven society where reading and learning are valued for their own sake, not just as a credential,” she urged.

Adegbola reiterated that a culture of reading, mentorship, and exposure is critical for producing well-rounded citizens capable of driving societal progress.

“Leaders, educators, and parents must collaborate to make reading a valued part of daily life,” she said.

Speaking on the book, Adegbola described the gathering as “refreshing” and lauded the creativity and ingenuity displayed by young participants.

“It is my first time in this space, and I am deeply impressed by the level of creativity on display. My students had previously interacted with Ojobaro, popularly known as Mister Rain, whose work has inspired them, and seeing them thrive here reminds me why exposure and mentorship matter”, she said.

Ojobaro, in his remarks, emphasised the pressing challenges posed by the shift from reading to visual media, such as movies, television, and social media platforms.

“Reading, once a dominant means of learning and personal development, has gradually been overshadowed by the growing preference for visual content. A lot of what we struggle with, or even pay for, is simply because we lack the knowledge to handle those situations ourselves,” he said.

“Reading is fundamental to growth. With deliberate strategies and innovation, we can bring people back to books. When knowledge becomes accessible, engaging, and relevant, we empower a generation to think critically, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to society,” Ojobaro added.

Ojobaro stressed that reviving the reading culture is a collective responsibility involving not only readers but also authors, publishers, educators, and librarians.

“It is not enough to write a book; you must present it in a way that draws people in. The title, the design, the style of writing, everything must connect with the reader,” he explained.

Mrs Josephine Olojede, who reviewed the book, emphasised access, guidance, and engagement as the cornerstones of cultivating strong reading habits among youth.

She praised its simplicity, conversational style, and universal appeal, noting that “teenagers, young adults, and even accomplished professionals could benefit from its message.”

Olojede recommended initiatives such as mentorship programmes, book clubs, and interactive reading platforms to make reading both enjoyable and impactful.