This quote that says “The best way to hide something from black people is to put it in a book” was one of the most common quotes I heard a lot while growing up. Initially, I did not believe it because I have always been surrounded by people who read. My mom, who only had a primary school education, is an avid reader to date. She imbibed the reading culture in me at a very young age. I am proud to say she bought me my first set of Stephen King’s sequels. I have friends who read and write, we even exchange books and our pieces for editing. I get a lot of book gifts from friends and family, so the idea of hiding things from black people in a book was not my reality growing up.
However, during my 1 year at NYSC, I met a lady who introduced me to Stieg Larsson’s The Girl Who trilogy. I sat down on the mat, waiting for Maghrib prayer while holding the first part of the book, the girl with the dragon tattoo and you won’t believe what happened next. My lodge mate started trooping out to ask if I was okay and why am I reading a book so bulky. They asked if I was preparing for an exam and why I was punishing myself by reading when I didn’t have an exam coming up.
That was when it dawned on me that people don’t read and you can truly hide things from us by simply putting it in a book. I won’t entirely fault my fellow young Nigerians for our low reading culture. Some of the reasons for the dwindling reading culture is as a result of poverty, limited access to books from a young age (emphasis on young age), short attention span due to social media, and many more. According to World Culture Statistics which tries to measure the arts of reading all over the world, only two African countries were listed amongst countries that are reading. These countries are South Africa and Egypt; Nigeria was not among these countries. Also, recent figures from the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education show that 38% of Nigerians are unschooled, while four in 10 primary school children cannot read for comprehension.
This article will not focus on how to imbibe reading into the young adult generations such as the Gen Zs and alpha Gen Zs, I will leave that for the National Commission for Mass Literacy. To imbibe a healthy reading culture takes the same effort we use to teach a child how to communicate. Most households will wait till a child starts school before teaching them how to read. They believe it is the teacher’s job to inculcate the reading culture, while they focus on other aspects such as providing food and shelter. The truth is, reading culture as much as communication skills should start from home. Studies show that reading to your child should start from the womb because by the third trimester, babies not only hear but also recognize the sound of their mother’s voice. And once they are born, it will be great to get age-appropriate books for them so that they can get used to reading.
Schools should also have a compulsory reading curriculum activity, apart from English Language as a subject. This will help expose pupils to different subjects while expanding their vocabulary. Also schools should have a mini library or reading corner where students can access books easily. Furthermore, teachers should encourage students to read beyond their school curriculum by recommending books and discussing their favorite reads with them.
Beyond the home and school, the community also plays a significant role in fostering a reading culture. Initiatives such as book clubs, literary festivals, and community libraries can provide platforms for people to engage with literature and share their love for reading. These initiatives can also organize reading events, author visits, and storytelling sessions to spark interest and curiosity in reading among community members of all ages.
Moreover, the government and non-governmental organizations have a responsibility to invest in literacy programs and initiatives that promote reading. This includes providing access to affordable books, supporting libraries and educational institutions, and implementing policies that prioritize literacy and reading education. By investing in reading initiatives, governments can empower individuals with knowledge and skills that are essential for personal development and socioeconomic progress.
In addition to addressing access barriers, it is crucial to address the underlying factors that contribute to a lack of interest in reading, such as digital distractions and competing forms of entertainment. Educating individuals about the benefits of reading, such as improved cognitive skills, critical thinking, and empathy, can help shift attitudes toward reading and encourage more people to make it a regular part of their lives.
Ultimately, improving the reading culture in Nigeria requires a concerted effort from families, schools, communities, and policymakers. By prioritizing literacy education, providing access to books and reading resources, and fostering a culture that values reading, we can empower individuals to unlock the transformative power of literature and realize their full potential. As the saying goes, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Let us all commit to building a nation of readers, one book at a time.
Aishat Ademigbuji.
Content Specialist and a Mum.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zb66uDb9lrjVKgSw1ZHCONtiQx82RWRK/view?usp=sharing
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