By Chelsea Chinenye

According to a recent report, primary school education in public schools in Enugu State is suffering from a severe literacy crisis. In fact, it has been discovered that 90% of primary six pupils in public primary schools are not able to read for meaning.

Ekulu Primary School in GRA Enugu has been cited as a prime example of just how grave the situation has become. Upon a research team’s visit, it was observed that most of the primary six pupils were functional illiterates. This means that while they were able to read words, they could not comprehend the content.

This distressing situation has been highlighted in the 2022/2023 Reading Research carried out by the BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB. The findings of the report were released on June 23, 2023, and clearly indicate that the country is experiencing a devastating setback in the area of literacy- the foundation block for all education.

As the situation continues to worsen and impact an increasing number of children, it is hoped that this crucial issue will receive the attention it so desperately needs. With this, there is hope that urgent actions will be taken to resolve the literacy crisis and give every child in Nigeria the opportunity to receive a proper education.

The results of the recently-released 2022/2023 Reading Research report indicate that the literacy crisis in Nigeria is far more widespread than previously believed. Extrapolating from data collected in Enugu State, the report estimates that a staggering 88% of primary six pupils in Nigeria’s public schools cannot read for meaning.

These alarming statistics have spurred the Founder of the BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB, Onyema Okoani, to take action. The 2022/2023 Reading Research was coordinated by his organization, which aims to ensure that by the end of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) year 2030, all Nigerian children aged ten and older will be able to read for meaning.

As part of their efforts to promote literacy in Enugu-East Senatorial District of Nigeria, the Agbani Community-based Book Club has distributed over 4,000 new books and conducted 70 classroom programs in pursuit of SDG’s 4 (Quality Education). The group believes that cultivating a culture of reading should not be a difficult task, and that all Nigerian children should have access to quality education.

It is hoped that the findings of the 2022/2023 Reading Research report will serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and educators in Nigeria to address this critical issue. With the support of organizations such as the BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB, it is possible to give every child in Nigeria the opportunity to learn to read and develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

In light of the recent report on the literacy crisis in Nigerian primary schools, it has become increasingly apparent that early literacy education is of paramount importance. Research has shown that children must be taught how to read and comprehend what they have read from their early formative stages. When pupils are denied this ability and only pushed to learn when they reach secondary school, it becomes difficult for them to catch up with their peers who are successful learners.

To combat this issue, The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB is committed to engaging and transforming children in public schools into habitual readers, with the hope of increasing literacy rates across Nigeria. However, they have discovered that during their research, very few teachers in public schools actually enjoy reading or engage with literature themselves.

This presents a significant challenge, as a love for reading cannot be instilled in students if their teachers are not exhibiting that same passion for literature. It is a common knowledge that if the teacher is not reading himself, he can not encourage students to start reading.

However, the situation is different in some private primary schools in Enugu state. For instance, a particular school has implemented a program called “DEAR,” which stands for “Drop Everything And Read.” Every day, for the last half-hour before the school dismisses, everyone in the school – including teachers, headteachers, and other staff – is required to drop whatever they are doing and read. This has created an atmosphere where reading has become part of the school culture, and students are naturally motivated to read.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB believes that this revolutionary program can inspire a love of reading and drive up literacy rates in Nigeria’s public schools. It is essential that Nigerian educators and policymakers adopt such measures and prioritize early literacy education if they hope to address the literacy crisis in the country.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB has reiterated the importance of reading amongst teachers in Nigeria’s primary schools. The organization believes that if teachers are not engaged in reading, it will ne impossible to instill the interest in their students. It is clear that in order to address the literacy crisis in the country, reading initiatives must be prioritized.

It is especially critical to encourage reading at an early age, and the BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB is committed to providing age-appropriate reading materials that will appeal to children enough to keep them reading, even when they are not encouraged by their parents or teachers. The club’s picture book stories are designed to captivate the imagination and grasp their attention, making reading a leisurely activity and not a punishment.

The organization has called on the Federal Ministry of Education and their state counterparts to promote the reading and writing of children’s picture books in basic schools across Nigeria. Furthermore, they have urged public and private organizations, donor agencies, and private-minded individuals to aid them in their reading revolution by sponsoring a new campaign tagged “Festival of Knowledge” (Nkanu for Nigeria).

The campaign will involve the distribution of new storybooks titled “Adorable Dora” to every primary six pupil in public schools across Nigeria. For the paltry sum of ₦1,500 per child, they will receive a new book to take home, in the hope of cultivating a love of reading and increasing literacy rates across the country. The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB understands that reading at an early age can help build a foundation for academic success and hopes to contribute to this cause.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB has emphasized the significance of reading children’s picture books in boosting the literacy rates of primary school children. Such initiatives can help young learners grasp challenging concepts without necessarily experiencing them firsthand. Additionally, picture books introduce children to new vocabulary and promote language skills that can aid in grasping different subjects in secondary schools.

Moreover, reports indicate that many children in public primary schools have never owned a book in their lives. BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB is determined to rectify this situation by promoting book ownership to ignite a love for reading in young children.

In light of this mission, the club invites the public to assist a child in any public primary school in Nkanu East/West LGA to read and own a book (Adorable Dora). A new reading session is set to hold on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Ubia Primary School near Augustine Nnamani Law School, Agbani, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB hopes that this call to action will encourage more public and private organizations, donor agencies, and individuals to join the reading revolution and take steps towards improving the literacy rates among primary school children in Nigeria.

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB has released the contact details of individual who is available to provide more information regarding sponsorship opportunities. Anyone interested in contributing to the book club’s cause is encouraged to reach out and support this initiative.

For further sponsorship details, please contact:

Pupils of Station Primary School Agbani, Enugu State

• Onyema Okoani at 0803 673 8205

The BLACK JAGUAR BOOK CLUB is committed to promoting literacy and increasing literary rates among primary school children. The club believes that early literacy education is fundamental in building a foundation for academic success and aims to make this accessible to children across Nigeria.

It is hoped that potential sponsors will heed the call and support the club’s mission to distribute Adorable Dora storybooks to primary six pupils in public schools across Nigeria. With the support of public and private organizations, donor agencies, and private-spirited individuals, Black Jaguar Book Club believes that it can bring about a positive change in the country’s poor literacy rates. GMTNews