Enugu, Oct. 1, 2025 – The Rotary Club of New Haven, Enugu, has called on governments at all levels to integrate reading into school curricula as part of efforts to revive Nigeria’s dwindling reading culture among students.
Speaking at the club’s Basic Education and Literacy Project themed “Bring Back the Reading Culture” in Enugu, the President of the Rotary Club, Ms. Adaeze Nwokolo, lamented the poor reading habits among students and urged schools to promote the use of physical textbooks for better concentration, mental alertness, and personal development.
“Reading hard copies removes distractions from online platforms. We must reintroduce reading into our curriculum and encourage the use of physical books,” Nwokolo said.
The event, organised in partnership with the Rotary Club of City Center, Rotary Club of City Layout, Rotaract Club of Newhaven, Odera Ugo Foundation, Nigerian Women in Information Technology (Enugu State), and the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), featured several schools, including Hillview Primary School, Royal Orchard School, The Lord Shepherd School, and Lady Ibiam Girls’ Secondary School.
As part of the project, Rotary donated textbooks, exercise books, and other learning materials to students and the library to boost access to educational resources. Nwokolo explained that the initiative aligns with Rotary International’s global focus on basic education and literacy, particularly in connection with the 2025 International Literacy Day.
The Head of NLN, Enugu Branch, Mrs. Onyekachi Essien, commended Rotary’s intervention, stressing that access to books was vital in reviving the reading culture. “I am happy the club donated books. Many children now have books of their own, which will inspire them to read more,” Essien said.
She urged Nigerians to cultivate reading habits, warning that neglecting reading affects brain function. “When you stop reading, your brain cells begin to die,” she cautioned, adding that reading improves vocabulary, broadens knowledge, and can even help with insomnia.
Students also expressed gratitude, with Kamsi Nnaji, one of the beneficiaries, noting that the donated books would greatly enhance his studies and learning experience. GMTNewsng
