Reading has long been regarded as a gateway to knowledge, personal development, and intellectual growth. It sharpens the mind, broadens perspectives, and equips individuals with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Yet, in Nigeria today, concerns are mounting over what many describe as a declining reading culture, particularly among young people.
While some experts believe the habit of reading has diminished significantly, others argue that reading itself has not disappeared but has merely migrated from printed pages to digital platforms.
The concern is underscored by sobering statistics. According to the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, about 38 per cent of Nigerians are non-literate, while four out of every ten primary school pupils struggle with reading comprehension.
These figures have fueled debates about the state of literacy and the future of education in the country.
For many observers, the problem extends beyond literacy rates to the kind of materials people consume. They worry that while young Nigerians spend considerable time online, much of that engagement is not directed toward meaningful reading capable of expanding knowledge or stimulating critical thinking.
Over the years, notable figures have expressed concern about this trend. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, in a social media post, lamented the decline in reading habits among Nigerian youths, attributing it to poor educational systems, materialism, inadequate reading materials, dysfunctional libraries, and a waning passion for books.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, linked the challenge to changing societal values that prioritise material acquisition over the pursuit of knowledge.
Retired sociology professor and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lagos, Lai Olurode, believes social media has played a major role in reshaping how people spend their leisure time.
He recalled a period when books were a primary source of entertainment and learning, noting that today many commuters who once carried novels now spend hours on their phones. According to him, reading for leisure and imaginative exploration has declined sharply across social classes.
To reverse the trend, Olurode advocates the introduction of reading competitions and prizes, the inclusion of leisure reading in school curricula, greater media support for literacy campaigns, and deliberate efforts by parents to create reading-friendly homes.
Not everyone agrees that Nigerians are reading less. Education consultant Akin Benjamin argues that the medium has changed rather than the habit itself.
According to him, people now consume content digitally instead of through printed books. He maintains that young people continue to read extensively online and that efforts to improve reading culture should focus on producing engaging content and adopting a hybrid model that combines printed and digital materials.
For Rev. Fr. John Njorteah of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, the issue goes beyond books and speaks directly to the nation’s value system.
He believes reading is increasingly viewed as irrelevant to achieving success, as society places greater emphasis on wealth accumulation than intellectual development. This shift, he argues, has contributed to a worrying lack of depth in public discourse.
Njorteah advocates the creation of spaces where ideas can be discussed openly, encouraging citizens to engage with issues through informed debate. He also emphasises the role of families, schools, and digital platforms in nurturing critical thinking and fostering curiosity among young people.
Public interest lawyer Taiwo Akinlami shares similar concerns. He points to the influence of technology, declining educational standards, inadequate reading materials, poorly trained teachers, and harsh economic realities as factors discouraging reading. He argues that the daily struggle for survival often leaves little time for intellectual pursuits.
Akinlami believes public libraries must be revitalised and expanded to improve access to books. He also stresses the importance of parents and teachers serving as role models who inspire children to embrace reading as a lifelong habit.
Travel consultant Clara Chinwe Okoro highlights additional barriers, including the high cost of books and poorly funded libraries. She notes that smartphones, social media, and streaming platforms provide instant gratification, making it harder for reading to compete for attention.
Despite differing opinions about the extent of the problem, most stakeholders agree on one point: reading remains essential for national development. Reviving a culture that values books, ideas, and informed discussion will require collective action from government, schools, parents, media organisations, and individuals. Only by investing in literacy and encouraging a love for reading can Nigeria nurture the informed, innovative, and critical-minded citizens needed to drive sustainable progress.
