Education experts, policymakers, authors, and literacy advocates have called for stronger investment in literacy development and comprehensive education reforms in Nigeria, warning that persistent learning gaps continue to threaten the future of millions of children across the country.
The stakeholders made the call during the commemoration of World Book and Copyright Day held in Lagos under the theme, “Turning Pages, Changing Futures,” where discussions centred on reading culture, foundational learning, copyright protection, and the role of education in national development.
The event, organised by Sun Books Nigeria, a project of the World Literacy Foundation, brought together writers, education researchers, language specialists, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for improving literacy outcomes in underserved communities.
Speaking during the programme, the Country Manager of Sun Books Nigeria, Afolabi Adelakun, stressed that foundational literacy remains one of the biggest educational challenges confronting many African countries, particularly Nigeria.
According to him, the organisation has continued to promote digital learning solutions aimed at supporting vulnerable children, especially those who are out of school or at risk of dropping out of formal education.
He explained that the initiative currently operates across several African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, while Nigeria remains one of its major intervention priorities due to the scale of literacy challenges within the country.
Adelakun noted that digital literacy initiatives have helped return many children to school and improve retention rates, but lamented that inadequate funding and limited government support continue to hinder expansion efforts.
“We cannot solve all the problems of education, but what we are contributing is the digital literacy aspect, which has helped bring many children back to school and keep them in school,” he stated.
He further called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, private organisations, and local communities to expand literacy programmes and make educational resources more accessible to children in rural and underserved areas.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Association of Children’s Authors and Illustrators of Nigeria and founder of the Winford Centre for Children and Women, Basirat Rasaki, emphasised the importance of copyright protection and locally relevant educational content.
She argued that many Nigerian authors and creative professionals continue to suffer from weak intellectual property protection, discouraging innovation and limiting opportunities within the creative education sector.
Rasaki stressed that educational programmes must reflect the realities of local communities, warning that some intervention projects fail because they ignore poverty, cultural realities, and community needs.
“There are cases where educational technology tools are introduced, but due to poverty and other factors, they are sold instead of used. Programme design must reflect the realities of the people it is meant to serve,” she said.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Opeyemi Eniola, highlighted the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, noting that millions of children still lack access to quality education.
He described literacy as the foundation for economic development, social stability, and national progress, stressing that investment in reading culture, school libraries, teacher training, and culturally relevant learning materials is critical for Nigeria’s future.
According to him, Nigeria’s development will depend not only on infrastructure and technology but also on raising a generation capable of critical thinking, creativity, and effective storytelling.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that solving Nigeria’s literacy crisis requires sustained funding, stronger policy implementation, deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors, and renewed commitment to foundational education across all levels.
