Nigeria’s weak reading culture has increasingly become a cause for concern. In a country of over 200 million people, the ability and willingness to read beyond compulsory academic texts has remained disturbingly low, especially among the younger generations. Experts have warned that a society that does not cultivate a reading culture risks weakening its capacity for critical thinking, innovation and informed citizenship.

Studies indicate that the average Nigerian reads less than one book per year, and only about 56 per cent of adults reportedly read one book yearly. The situation is more alarming among younger Nigerians. Data from the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education showed that about 40 per cent of primary school pupils struggle with reading comprehension. Such statistics suggest that the reading crisis begins early in the education system and continues into adulthood.

Another indicator of the country’s poor reading culture is its declining global ranking in reading indices. The World Culture Score Index, which measures reading habits across countries, has repeatedly placed Nigeria among nations with the lowest reading culture worldwide. In some global comparisons, only a few African countries such as South Africa and Egypt appeared among the countries with significant reading hours. Some people have blamed the situation partly on poor comprehension of foreign authored books, most of which are alienated from the country’s realities.

To address this challenge, the Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has introduced 82 textbooks written by Nigerian authors to strengthen higher education. The books were developed under the Higher Education Book Development Intervention Project of the Fund. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote locally produced academic materials and encourage scholarship within Nigerian universities. Experts believe that by supporting indigenous authors and ensuring that quality textbooks are available in key academic disciplines, there would be improved access to relevant learning resources while also strengthening the country’s intellectual and publishing ecosystem.

The TETFund Auditorium, venue of the epoch-making event, was filled to capacity as authors, vice chancellors, academics and other stakeholders from institutions across the country graced the occasion.

Unveiling the books, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the initiative reflected the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen quality education and advance academic excellence in the higher education system. He explained that the programme formed part of broader efforts to enhance the standard of teaching and learning in tertiary institutions across the country.

The minister noted that the intervention was designed to tackle the persistent shortage of locally authored textbooks and reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on foreign publications. According to him, many universities and other tertiary institutions had long relied on imported academic materials, a situation that not only strains the nation’s foreign exchange but also discourages indigenous scholarship and academic writing.

Alausa stressed that promoting Nigerian-authored textbooks will encourage scholars in local institutions to contribute more actively to academic publishing. He explained that such efforts will also ensure availability of relevant and context-specific learning materials across different fields of study while particular attention would be given to science, technology and engineering.

He further explained that the Book Development Intervention of the Fund focuses on several key areas, including the publication of academic textbooks, support for journals produced by professional associations and the establishment of academic publishing centres in tertiary institutions. To guide the programme, the Board of Trustees of the Fund had earlier set up a Technical Advisory Group in 2009 to design a framework for its implementation across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The minister commended the authors, publishers and other stakeholders, who contributed to the project, describing their efforts as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s academic standing globally. He acknowledged the backing of President Bola Tinubu for reforms aimed at improving the education sector and ensuring stable academic calendars in tertiary institutions.

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, said the initiative was conceived to tackle the persistent shortage of high-quality tertiary-level textbooks. He disclosed that out of the titles unveiled, 72 were newly written under the TETFund book development project while 10 others were authored by renowned scholars and subsequently acquired by the Fund for use in beneficiary institutions.

He noted that the Fund has so far produced 202 academic textbooks through the initiative, with several more currently undergoing review and evaluation for possible publication. To ensure wide access, Echono said more than 400,000 copies of the books would be distributed to tertiary institutions across the country while digital versions would also be uploaded online to improve accessibility.

The TETFund boss led participants in observing a minute’s silence in honour of one of the contributing authors, Valerie Young Harry, who passed away shortly before the unveiling ceremony. He described her contributions to the project as significant and worthy of recognition.

Also, the Chairman, TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Masari, stressed the importance of applying knowledge practically and called for strategies to commercialise the books so that authors and their families can benefit from their intellectual contributions.

Stakeholders said such initiatives represent a significant step towards improving access to quality academic materials in tertiary institutions, adding that locally authored textbooks will address shortage of resources that reflect the country’s educational realities and research priorities. By encouraging publishing of academic textbooks, the country’s intellectual capacity is strengthened while overreliance on foreign publications is minimised.