The Vice Chancellor of Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu university (KHAIRUN) Professor Abdulrashid Garba has reiterated the institution’s commitment in promoting a culture of reading by prioritizing the university library.
Prof Garba revealed this hint during an event with the theme Reading as Barriers Breakers and Excellence Propeller: The role of stakeholders in sustaining the culture of reading organised by KHAIRUN in collaboration with the National Library of Nigeria at 2024 Annual readership promotion campaign held in the university.
The vice chancellor who doubled as the chairman of the occasion explained that the event will go a long way in motivating the youth to develop and embrace reading culture for the development of their skills.
He added that the university management has fully equipped its Library with more books and necessary resources with a view to actualize the set target.
Prof Garba however highlighted the university’s uniqueness, emphasizing it’s focus on academic excellence, Quran recitation courses , moral instruction and entrepreneurship.
“All our students are required to take entrepreneurship courses so that after graduation, they are self-reliant and not job seekers. For non-Muslim students, we offer alternative courses instead of Qur’an recitation,” he explained.
Garba then expressed gratitude to the event’s guests, particularly the National Librarian and CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe V. Anunobi.
In a remark, National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe V. Anunobi, stressed that reading not only opens doors to knowledge but also empowers individuals to overcome challenges and excel in various fields.
Reading is more than a cultural activity; it is an intellectual action that shapes the human mind. It enhances brain connectivity, improves vocabulary and language comprehension, fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and stimulates mental agility and creativity,” she said.
She further explained that reading breaks barriers, such as illiteracy and limited access to quality education. By cultivating a love for reading, especially in underserved communities, individuals can expand their knowledge and opportunities.
“Libraries are not just buildings filled with books; they are knowledge centres that help people break the cycle of poverty and ignorance through reading,” Prof. Anunobi added.
She also emphasized the significant role of stakeholders, including community-based organizations, educational institutions, philanthropists, families, government bodies, policymakers, authors, publishers, and printers in promoting reading culture in Nigeria.
“The responsibility of cultivating a reading culture lies with these stakeholders, who play a crucial role in transforming the educational landscape through reading advocacy. For the nation to become a reading society, efforts must start from both educational institutions and family environments,” she said.
During the event, Dr. Binta Ladan Faruk, University Librarian, Capital City University, Kano, commended the paper presented by Professor Anunobi, noting its strong argument for the importance of lifelong learning and stakeholder involvement in promoting the reading culture.
“One of the major arguments of the paper is that reading is essential for personal development. The paper proposes that we can break barriers through reading, and lifelong learning is key to survival in today’s world. It also calls for creative and modern approaches, including technology, to promote the reading culture,” Dr. Faruk said.
She added that promoting the reading culture is a collaborative effort, and stakeholders must unite to sustain it.
