…as OOU marks World Book and Copyright Day
Worried by the declining reading culture and prevalent abuse of intellectual property rights in Nigeria, renowned scholars and seasoned experts have called for a collaborative approach by stakeholders to reverse the ugly trend. The thought leaders emphasised the need to promote the habit of reading among students and younger ones, noting that such effort would impact positively on the mental, social and educational development of young people as well as the whole society.
The scholars and experts made their submissions while speaking at the 2025 Library Fiesta held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye to commemorate this year’s World Book and Copyright Day. The event, organised by the University Library, was aimed at reorienting the students and the entire community on the importance of books, reading culture and intellectual property.
Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, remarked that the programme was in alignment with the vision and mission of the University to uphold academic excellence and produce students capable of competing favourably with their peers globally. Prof. Agboola, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olatundun Oderinde, underscored the significance of books, urging students of the institution to cultivate the habit of reading to enhance their success.
He said, “All over the world, we are celebrating the transformative power of the written words –books. While growing up, we were told that readers are leaders. We were told that treasures are hidden in books and it is only readers who can discover them. And it is only when you discover those treasures that you can become great in life.”
“Books are very important. When you talk of research, books occupy a very central position. We cannot really have a university without research. Books are very important and that is why we are here today celebrating the power of books. As students, you cannot really do much without reading. Ask those who have accomplished great things in the education sector, they are people who actually know the importance of reading.”
The Vice-Chancellor, who expressed regret that many students have lost interest in reading nowadays, promised that the OOU Library Fiesta would be sustained to promote reading culture and stimulate the interest of students.
“I’m sure this is the first time we are celebrating World Book Day in this University at this level. It is remarkable and I’m sure, this is going to continue. Please, let us key into this vision –that our students must be excellent in all things and if you’re going to be excellent, then you must be readers,” he stated.
In her speech, the University Librarian, Prof. Fehintola ‘Nike Onifade, said the event was globally recognised as it was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
“We have chosen to celebrate it in a grand style in our University because we are following on the vision of our erudite Vice-Chancellor,” Prof. Onifade declared, adding that the event will also expose students and other members of the University Community to the impact of books. She said, “Books have the power to educate, inspire and transform us. They are tangible representation of knowledge, creativity and human experience and therefore they help to enrich our understanding of the world and ourselves.
“In our digital age, where the touch of traditional pages still resonate deeply with our hearts, protecting these invaluable expressions of human creativity becomes even more essential. We believe that if our students are brought back to books, they will be engaged positively and shun all negative vices.”
Prof. Onifade used the occasion to appeal to students to make use of the university library as a daily routine, saying “in Olabisi Onabanjo University, our library is committed to providing access to a wide range of books, journals and other resources that foster intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.”
Delivering a lecture at the event, the Guest Speaker, who is also the General Manager, Lagos State Television (LTV), Mrs. Sola Kosoko, identified the advantages of a strong reading culture to include enhancement of vocabulary and communication skills as well as improvement of cognitive and analytical abilities. She added that reading “increases empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, reduces stress and supports mental health and correlates with academic and career success.”
Kosoko, an astute media professional, disclosed that Nigeria ranks low globally in reading culture with UNESCO statistics estimating that only one in four Nigerians read regularly. According to her, digital distractions have worsened reading habits among the youths.
To bring reading culture back, the Guest Speaker said stakeholders should promote mobile libraries and book exchanges and also encourage family reading routines. She equally recommended the establishment of reading clubs in schools and communities, creation of engaging local content and leveraging social media for book promotion and storytelling. She said, “With reading, you discover new words and you can communicate properly. Good readers are very good communicators because they have a whole lot in their brains. So, the moment they are thinking something, the brain is already processing it because they have information and experiences stored and they can share.
“Reading is vital, it’s important for your mental health, for your skills in social life and your educational development,” the LTV boss told her audience.
Kosoko, who pointed out that the decline in reading culture is reversible with collective effort, urged people to embrace the “12-book challenge” that would see them read one book every month.
The highpoint of the event was the installation of a Primary 5 pupil of OOU Staff School, Ago-Iwoye, Master Jesuloba Akinyemi, as “One-Day University Librarian” to further stimulate the interest of the younger ones in reading.
