The 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed deep concern over the dwindling reading habits among Nigerian youths, attributing the decline to a combination of factors, including a flawed educational system.
Peter Obi, through his official X handle on Saturday, acknowledged the pivotal role that reading plays in Nigeria’s educational development. He bemoaned the pervasive poor reading culture, citing issues such as an overwhelming desire for materialism, the absence of functional libraries, and a scarcity of reading materials as contributing factors.
Read also:Â List of Top Celebrities and Prominent Nigerians who died in 2023
The former Presidential candidate took to Twitter to convey his sentiments, stating, “Reading remains a very important aspect of our educational development, which must be encouraged always. Sadly, the reading culture among Nigerian youths has continued to decline due to a poor educational system, an inordinate desire for materialism, a lack of reading materials and functional libraries, and above all, the dying passion for reading among the youths.”
Peter Obi did not stop at highlighting the problem but also issued a call to action for Nigerian youths to reignite their interest in books. He emphasized the transformative power of reading, asserting that it nurtures critical thinking and analytical abilities crucial for success in today’s intricate world.
“Readers are leaders they say. Reading will help the youths to build their critical thinking and analytical ability to succeed in an ever-complex world,” he tweeted.
The Labour Party stalwart concluded his statement by reiterating his commitment to fostering a “New Nigeria” that actively supports and encourages the nation’s talented youth. He envisions a future where these youths can discover their innate abilities, pursue their passions, and hone their skills for the collective progress of society.
Read also:Â List of Top Celebrities and Prominent Nigerians who died in 2023
As the debate on education reform continues, Obi’s advocacy for a resurgence in reading culture among Nigerian youths underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues to secure a brighter educational future for the nation.
