The National Library of Nigeria and the Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries have urged pupils and students to make regular use of physical libraries and cultivate the habit of reading beyond their textbooks. This call was made during the 2026 International Literacy Day celebration organised by ZODML in partnership with the National Library of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, in Lagos. The event had the theme, “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity: Reading, Creating and Protecting Our Future.”
The Head of the National Library’s Lagos branch, Obianuju Onuorah, encouraged young participants to read beyond their textbooks and visit libraries regularly. She charged them to read one book every month outside their textbooks, visit the library every month, and teach one person what they had read. Onuorah said this would help protect their future and ensure they make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Onuorah also stated that literacy went beyond learning to read and write, noting that it enabled children to think, ask questions, and make informed choices. She emphasized that behind every literate child is a person who can think, ask questions, and choose. The National Library would continue to take library services beyond its Yaba branch to schools and communities through book donations and other initiatives.
As part of the programme, the National Library and ZODML donated 60 titles, comprising 80 volumes, to the libraries of eight Lagos schools. The beneficiary schools are Aiyetoro African Church Primary School, Makoko Primary School, Talim Ul-Islam Primary School, Herbert Macaulay Primary School, Aje Junior School, Aje Senior School, Wesley Junior School, and Wesley Senior School. This donation aims to improve access to educational resources for pupils in these schools.
The Chief Executive Officer of ZODML, Ego Mbagwu, encouraged pupils and students to make reading a daily habit and explore libraries. She urged them to read because books open doors, learn because knowledge gives power, create because ideas can change their community, and protect the planet because the future belongs to all. Mbagwu emphasized that every child deserved access to books, knowledge, and opportunities to learn.
Adedamola Oguntuga of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation also spoke at the event, urging pupils and students to adopt responsible environmental practices. He emphasized the importance of shunning indiscriminate waste disposal and embracing recycling. Oguntuga also urged schools to help pupils understand the Sustainable Development Goals and relate them to everyday life.
The event had in attendance the Lagos Mainland Education District Officer, Ariyo B.F. The National Library and ZODML’s efforts aim to promote literacy and a love for reading among pupils and students in Lagos. By working together, these organizations hope to make a positive impact on the educational outcomes of young people in Nigeria.
Key points
- National Library of Nigeria urges pupils to visit libraries regularly and read beyond textbooks
- Literacy enables children to think, ask questions, and make informed choices
- National Library and ZODML donate books to eight Lagos schools to improve access to educational resources
