News
Special Report :The Dwindling Reading Culture Among Nigerians, Causes, And Ways to Revive It
By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Reading is undoubtedly the most sophisticated weapon to empowering oneself. Self-discovering can’t be achieved more without inculcating the habit of reading within oneself. It begets education.
But unfortunately, most people in today’s world have little or no interest at all in reading. Rarely do you find people, especially the young ones, reading even as little as a four-paragraph piece with full concentration.
And it’s saddening that the issue is most prevalent among the black people the Africans. The reading culture among Africans, especially Nigerians, has reduced drastically. It should be a thing of great concern because, Malcolm X, the prominent civil rights activist, who said that if anyone should hide anything from a black man, he should put it in a book, would have said worst if he is alive today.
We really should sit back, take a deep breath, and ask ourselves what the prognosis of this dilemma will look like with the next generation. Will the status quo continue, or there is hope of an improvement, or the worst of it is yet to emerge?
Find out with the Nigerian Tracker’s Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa in his engagement with authors, educationists and students:
Authors Give Insights:
An Author, and also an academic lecturing at the Kaduna State University, Audu Haruna Jimoh, was of the opinion that the prices of books actually contribute to people’s lack of interest in reading nowadays:
“Yes, I think the high cost of books affects people’s inclination towards reading.”
“But it is not just about the books themselves, it’s also about the economy of Nigeria,” he added.
Mr. Jimoh buttressed his point stating unequivocally that people’s purchasing power is at its lowest; hence making them shift their priority to feeding which is one of the reasons for lack of interest in the reading culture among Nigerians:
“The high cost of books and the economy of Nigeria have made it unfavorable for people to consider spending their money on things that don’t count for survival.”
When asked if the rise of smartphones could revive reading culture through digital books like e-books, Mr. Jimoh, again, responded that it might only help but can’t solve the problem of reading culture because, the issue at hand is more deeper than accessibility:
“We live in a time when people’s attention is limited to what gives them instant gratification. People are more interested in audio-visuals that are entertaining than informative or educative articles or books.”
He continued, “so it’s not just about digital books. It’s the fact that people’s attention span to reading is low and poor in this time.”
AbdulWahab Yusuf Isah who is also an Author, and a columnist, when asked if the decline in reading culture is a Nigeria thing, responded that the observed decline in reading engagement is not confined to Nigeria alone:
“While Nigeria contends with unique challenges such as economic barriers to book acquisition, the overarching shift in reading behavior is worldwide.”
He went further to stress that there are empirical data from countries across the globe including United States indicating a reduction in recreational reading across various demographics.
From his years of experience as an Author and a columnist, AbdulWahab disclosed that while religious texts, academic and self-help books command the most substantial market share because of the spiritual quest due to the strong religious culture among Nigerians, the challenging socio-economic conditions and personal development for social and economic well-being, their purchases is more of necessity-driven than leisure-oriented.
Educationists Shared Experiences
An educationist, Abdulazeez Sumaiya, revealed that the shift from hardcopy books to digital books has affected students negatively, academically and even medically:
“While I was in school, our lecturers utilized PDFs instead of handouts and it affected my sight severely due to the ray of light from my phone.”
“Also, the inadvertently urge to do other things while reading with phone due to notifications that usually pop in is another setback to students habit for reading with attention,” she added.
Sumaiya further responded to the question of what her take is regarding the schools curriculum if it encourages reading among students:
“If students want to actually read books, the school curriculum is not a problem; it’s absolutely encouraging.”
Another respondent who is also an educationist, Ghalib Giwa, opined that technology has contributed the most to the decline in reading culture among Nigerians than socio-economic factors and educational policies.
“My opinion on this is technology.”
Mr. Giwa also posited that the curriculum which schools are operating with does not actually have a problem with the decline in the reading habit of Nigerians:
“The curriculum actually encourages reading”
He also shared the same view with Sumaiya which says that the shift from hardcopy books to digital books has largely affected students interest for reading:
“Switching from reading to social media while reading is one of the reasons why the opinion for digital books isn’t favourable.”
Students’ Candid Expression
Another category of respondents which is the students, has Lawal Opeyemi Yusuf, a final year student of Business Administration, disclosed that it had been long he read a book that’s not for academic purposes:
“I can’t recall, mostly I read because it’s required for school purposes.”
When asked if he would prefer watching movies or scrolling through social media to reading books, Yusuf responded that he prefers watching movies:
“Watching a movie is like a therapy for me because it calms my mind, especially after spending the whole day studying and reading a course.”
Though he revealed that if he had not been in school, he would have read books for fun, cheaper or not.
Ahmad Ibrahim, also a final year student, couldn’t also recall the last time he read a book that wasn’t for academic purposes:
“It has been a while I read a book that was not for academic purposes; a year ago or two.”
He mentioned that school activities made him stopped reading for fun.
When asked what his preference is among watching movies, scrolling through social media, and reading books, Ahmad responded that he prefers scrolling through social media because he needs to keep himself updated with things happening around the globe:
“It depends on my mood. But I prefer scrolling through social media because I will be able to keep up with what is trending.”
Ahmad recommended that it will be encouraging if reading of books is associated with some sort of incentives or competition.
Another student, Asiya Muhammad, expressed the same view as Ahmad and Yusuf, stating that she couldn’t recall the last time she read a book:
“I honestly can’t recall the last time I read a book.”
Like Ahmad, Asiya also prefers scrolling through social media than reading a book or watching movies. She dejectedly replied ‘No’ when asked if she would read more books for fun if they are for competition, accessible, or more cheaper.
Fatima Tijani Bintu, while responding to the questions, mentioned that despite school activities, she actually read books like novels and poetry during her leisure periods. Like the other students, Fatima prefers scrolling through social media for the same reason as the other students:
“It gives me more connection to the world.”
She was also of the opinion that whether cheap or not, whether associated with competition, incentives or not, she will always read books no matter the circumstance, so far it’s her leisure time:
“Well, yes in every aspect.”
Jimoh Sodiq Oluwatele mentioned that the last time he read a book outside academics was early this year:
“I read an adventure book early this year.”
He also disclosed that he prefers scrolling through social media; citing the same reason as the other students:
“It’s easy for one to stay abreast with all happenings around the world.”
Just like Ahmad, Sodiq recommended that reading of books will probably be fun if it’s associated with prizes and competition, and at cheaper prices.
Salihu Munirat Shuaib also failed to recall the last time he read a book for fun, stating that academic stress is too much to make her engage in such fun for quite a while:
“To be honest, I haven’t read a book for fun in a while.”
“School has taken priority,” she added.
Munirat shared the same preference as other students when asked which she prefers among scrolling through social media, watching movies and reading books:
“Watching movies is more engaging and visually appealing.”
She also suggested that if books were cheaper, and it’s being associated with competition or rewards, she would read more:
“I think I would read more if books were cheaper, matched with rewards and competitions, because they would be affordable, interactive and engaging.”
How Could This Dwindling Culture Be Revived?
To reinvigorate the reading culture among Nigerians, AbdulWahab recommended that a joint effort from the government, schools, and families is needed:
“The government should fund and enforce policies for public and school libraries nationwide. Grants and incentives should also be provided for authors and publishers in order to make affordable culturally relevant books.”
“Schools should revitalize libraries, and also organize literary competition,” he continued.
“Parents should create book-rich home environments and at same time manage screen time. They should revive the habit of reading to their children from an early age,” AbdulWahab added.
On the other hand, Audu Haruna Jimoh opined that the resuscitation of reading behavior among Nigerians is multifaceted. He suggested, firstly, that:
“People’s purchasing power must be fixed so that they can have more money to spend on books.”
Secondly, “children should be made to imbibe the reading culture by making available curated books in different genres which are of the best for them as children.”
Lastly, “reading clubs should also be created within schools for students to compete and make summary of a book they have read.”
Ghalib Giwa was also of the opinion that government, schools and families have roles to play in reviving the culture:
“Government should partner with the online influencers and celebrities who most young people emulate and look up to today to initiate and spread the writing and reading culture.”
“Schools should introduce compulsory book clubs where every student must take part in,” Ghalib continued.
“Parents should entice their children to read at home while they reward them with gifts,” he added.
Lastly, Sumaiya proposed that government should enforce censorship on authors and publishers in the country on the kind of books they write and produce:
“Some authors are fond of writing with bloated grammar that one can not easily understand; that which automatically betrays the essence of communication.”
She also hinted that schools should revitalize libraries with divers texts and make them available for students to lay their hands on.
Sumaiya stressed further to warn parents who do not usually allow their wards to have relaxation after school, stating that it’s part of the psychology of education to allow children relax and satisfied mentally, physically and emotionally before engaging them in reading:
“Parents should feed their children and allow them rest well after school before engaging them in reading and learning. In that way, they will be interested.”
To address this growing habit, the government must create an enabling environment for a reading culture to thrive again, implementing the various strategies suggested by experts. Additionally, schools and parents must work together and collaborate effectively to revive this lost culture in the best way possible.
Perhaps, as Malcolm X once said, “If you want to hide anything from the Black man, put it in a book.” Maybe the tricks of governance have been hidden inside books, and by reviving the reading habit, we will uncover them. This could help curb the apparent breakdown in governance plaguing the country and, in time, make Nigeria a better place to live.
News
IITA Trains Over 1,800 Farmers on Modern Farming Techniques in Kano
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ecological Project Office (EPO), has trained more than 1,800 farmers in Kano State on modern farming techniques aimed at increasing crop yields and improving food production.
The programme covered farmers from 16 local government areas in Kano South Senatorial District, equipping them with modern agricultural practices to improve farm productivity and address challenges associated with farming, particularly during the dry season.
The training and demonstration of improved farming technologies took place in Hamdullahi community, Albasu Local Government Area, where farmers were introduced to improved crop varieties and other techniques for achieving higher yields.
Speaking at the event, IITA Project Coordinator, Professor Lucky Omoigui, said the training was designed to enhance farmers’ knowledge of improved seed varieties and modern agricultural practices.
He disclosed that more than 1,800 people had benefited from the programme, expressing optimism that the knowledge gained would encourage dry-season farming and boost food production.
Omoigui urged the participating farmers to apply the knowledge acquired to improve their farming practices and increase crop yields.
As part of the programme, the farmers visited demonstration farms, where they were shown modern techniques for cultivating crops, including cowpeas, maize, soybeans, groundnuts, sorghum and rice.
Speaking on behalf of EPO, Bashir Ibrahim Umar said agriculture plays a vital role in poverty reduction and job creation, particularly for young people in Nigeria.
He stressed the need for sustained farmer awareness campaigns and access to agricultural knowledge to encourage the adoption of modern farming technologies and improve livelihoods.
Also speaking, Garba Ayuba, who represented the Chairman of Albasu Local Government Area, Garba Aliyu Hungu, expressed satisfaction with the programme and urged farmers to put the techniques they had learnt into practice.
Similarly, the Gaya Zonal Director of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Danjuma Uba, commended the farmers for their interest in learning modern agricultural practices.
He emphasised that collaboration between agricultural development agencies and farmers was essential to ensuring the sustainable adoption of modern farming technologies.
In his remarks, Alhaji Saidu Abdulkadir Hamdullahi, whose farm was used to demonstrate the improved crop varieties, said some people had previously doubted the possibility of achieving successful crop production during the dry season.
However, he expressed surprise and delight at the results achieved on his farm, saying the experience had boosted his confidence in dry-season farming.
He thanked IITA and its partners for the training, noting that the programme had improved farmers’ knowledge of seed planting, fertiliser application and other modern agricultural practices.
According to him, the new knowledge would help farmers increase productivity and improve their income.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector by encouraging farmers to adopt modern technologies to improve food production and reduce poverty in Nigeria, particularly in areas facing water shortages.
IITA Technical Support through the Ecological Project Office to promote the best climate-smart agricultural practices around the dams to boost food production and increase the income of smallholder farmers in the Kano South Senatorial District
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is collaborating with the Ecological Project Office (EPO) to leverage the Federal Government’s rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation infrastructure in the Kano irrigation project, covering Tiga Dam, Challawa Gorge Dam, and Kafin-Chiri Dam in the Kano South Senatorial District, to promote sustainable irrigation and dry-season farming to boost agricultural productivity and increase the income of smallholder farmers. The collaboration under the project “Community-based Engagement on Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Restoration for the Kano Irrigation Scheme” is being implemented across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) surrounding the dams (comprising Ajingi, Garko, Bunkure, Doguwa, Tudun Wada, Karaye, Gaya, Albasu, Kibiya, Rogo, Kiru, Wudil, Bebeji, Sumaila, Takai, and Rano), covering 155 communities.
The project interventions aim to boost year-round farming by combining irrigation with climate-smart practices to increase productivity and income, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. A total of 1,890 farmers, 20% of whom are women, have been trained in Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), climate-smart irrigation and water-harvesting technologies, and youth entrepreneurship in climate-smart agricultural practices across the 16 LGAs to enhance their resilience to climate-related vulnerabilities.
Participating communities have witnessed increased farming activities and improved access to and use of climate-smart agricultural technologies, contributing to increased productivity, income, and food security.
News
Former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Dies At 71
By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has reportedly passed away at the age of 71.
Uduaghan, who led Delta State for two terms between 2007 and 2015, reportedly died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026.
His death was announced in a statement issued by the family and signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on their behalf.
The family described his passing as a painful loss, noting that his contributions and years of service left a lasting impact on individuals and communities across Delta State and Nigeria.
“He was a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder. We will deeply miss his presence and forever cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind,” the statement read.
Before becoming governor, Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later held the position of Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He assumed office as governor in 2007 and spent eight years leading the state, with a focus on advancing human development and infrastructure.
While mourning their loss, the family expressed gratitude to God for his life and the service he rendered, while offering prayers for strength and comfort for those grieving his passing.
“Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the statement added.
News
Astute Civil Society Raises Concern Over Exclusion of Gubernatorial Candidates
The Astute Civil Society for Cultural and Humanity Development has expressed concern over the exclusion of some governorship candidates from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, calling for transparency, fairness and a review of disputed cases.
Comrade Ibrahim Ali, who represented the organisation, stated this on Saturday while addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Kano, during a press conference on democratic principles, electoral fairness, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence.
Ali said the organisation was concerned about reports that several candidates had been omitted from INEC’s final list, including Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and his running mate, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso.
He said similar concerns had emerged in other states, particularly Gombe and Ogun, where the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidates, Isa Ali Pantami and Oladipupo Adebutu, popularly known as Ladi Adebutu, alongside his running mate, were reportedly affected by the omissions.
According to Ali, the developments had attracted public attention and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the affected candidates’ nominations and their exclusion from the final list.
The civil society organisation acknowledged that INEC had attributed the exclusions to compliance with statutory requirements relating to political party membership registers, following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
However, Ali said the organisation recognised the importance of complying with electoral laws and respecting judicial decisions while insisting that disputed cases should be examined fairly and transparently.
He maintained that the organisation was not demanding special treatment for any candidate or political party but was advocating a process that would allow relevant facts, submitted evidence and applicable legal provisions to be considered before conclusions were reached.
“Our position is simple: compliance with the law must be upheld, and where an omission is disputed, the facts should be examined fairly and the outcome clearly communicated,” Ali said.
He added that no candidate should automatically be presumed eligible simply because an omission was challenged, just as no disputed exclusion should be treated as beyond review without considering the relevant facts and provisions of the law.
Ali urged INEC to establish a fair, transparent and case-specific review process for affected candidates and political parties, stressing that electoral authorities had a responsibility to administer the electoral process impartially and consistently.
He said democracy depended on institutions that applied the law fairly, political parties that fulfilled their statutory obligations and candidates who met the prescribed requirements.
The organisation further called on INEC to communicate clearly with affected political parties, examine properly submitted complaints within the applicable timelines and take corrective action wherever the facts and law justified such steps.
Ali noted that transparent handling of the disputed cases would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral commission and demonstrate that electoral administration was guided by evidence, due process and impartiality.
On the implications of the controversy for peace and stability, he warned that unresolved electoral disputes could undermine public trust, deepen mistrust among political stakeholders and create avoidable tensions within communities.
He observed that Kano State, like other parts of Nigeria, had a diverse population with competing political interests and strong expectations regarding democratic participation, making transparent communication of electoral decisions particularly important.
According to him, uncertainty surrounding the exclusion of candidates could generate public anxiety, especially where affected political parties and their supporters believed their concerns had not received adequate consideration.
Ali, however, stressed that the organisation did not intend to alarm the public, assign blame or threaten any institution, but rather to encourage the timely, lawful and peaceful resolution of electoral disputes.
He urged political parties, candidates, their supporters, civil society organisations and members of the public to remain calm, exercise restraint and pursue their grievances through established legal and administrative channels.
The organisation also cautioned political actors against allowing differences over electoral matters to degenerate into hostility, emphasising that peace, national unity and democratic progress should take precedence over partisan interests.
As part of its recommendations, the group called on INEC to undertake a thorough review of disputed exclusions involving candidates and political parties that maintained they had fulfilled the applicable statutory requirements.
It also urged the commission to provide clear, case-specific explanations whenever a candidate was excluded, including references to the relevant legal provisions and the facts informing the decision.
Ali said that where a review established that an exclusion resulted from an error, INEC should take appropriate corrective measures, provided such action was permitted under the applicable legal framework.
The organisation further urged all political parties, candidates and public institutions to respect the rule of law and comply with lawful court decisions, noting that electoral disputes should be resolved through established procedures rather than inflammatory public statements.
It also called on relevant institutions to communicate transparently and act impartially to protect public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reaffirming the organisation’s position, Ali said its intervention was not an endorsement of any political party or candidate but a call for an electoral process in which the law was respected, legitimate concerns received fair consideration and public institutions remained accountable to citizens.
He also urged the media to report electoral developments accurately and responsibly, saying journalists had an important role to play in informing the public, promoting accountability and creating an atmosphere conducive to peaceful democratic participation.
Ali called on INEC to ensure that disputed exclusions were addressed promptly and transparently, while urging political stakeholders and citizens to place the interests of their communities and the country above partisan differences.
He said the organisation remained committed to promoting democratic principles, cultural and human development, peaceful coexistence and responsible civic engagement as Nigeria prepared for another electoral cycle.
IITA Trains Over 1,800 Farmers on Modern Farming Techniques in Kano
Former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Dies At 71
Astute Civil Society Raises Concern Over Exclusion of Gubernatorial Candidates
WHC Solar Trains 300 Youths in Kano to Prevent Installation Errors, Fire Outbreaks
Emir Sanusi Seeks Compensation, Reallocation of Demolished Eid Ground Stalls
Zamfara Varsity ASUU Threatens Warning Strike Over FG-ASUU Agreement, Promotion Arrears
PCACC Arrests Man Over Alleged ₦4.5m Sale, Illegal Leasing of Kano Government Horse Stable
Kano Monitors ₦48.9bn Projects Across Six LGAs
Goje’s Electoral War:The Confrontation With Tinubu,Governor Inuwa,Usman Kumo And APC candidates Ahead Of 2027
Prof Yusuf Adamu Delivers BUK’s 63rd Professorial Inaugural Lecture, Reflects on Medical Geography and Academic Legacy
IITA Trains Over 1,800 Farmers on Modern Farming Techniques in Kano
Former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Dies At 71
Astute Civil Society Raises Concern Over Exclusion of Gubernatorial Candidates
WHC Solar Trains 300 Youths in Kano to Prevent Installation Errors, Fire Outbreaks
Emir Sanusi Seeks Compensation, Reallocation of Demolished Eid Ground Stalls
Zamfara Varsity ASUU Threatens Warning Strike Over FG-ASUU Agreement, Promotion Arrears
PCACC Arrests Man Over Alleged ₦4.5m Sale, Illegal Leasing of Kano Government Horse Stable
Kano Monitors ₦48.9bn Projects Across Six LGAs
Goje’s Electoral War:The Confrontation With Tinubu,Governor Inuwa,Usman Kumo And APC candidates Ahead Of 2027
Prof Yusuf Adamu Delivers BUK’s 63rd Professorial Inaugural Lecture, Reflects on Medical Geography and Academic Legacy
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