The Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education has urged students to embrace reading for pleasure beyond classrooms and exams, emphasizing the importance of learning, relearning, and unlearning.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, made the call at the 2026 World Book Day celebration organized by the Lagos State Library Board on Thursday in Lagos.
Students from the six education districts in Lagos, along with education sector stakeholders, attended the event.
The theme of the 2026 celebration was: “Reading for Pleasure.”
Kasali explained that leisure reading enhances mental relaxation, personal growth, and broader knowledge beyond academic demands.
“Leisure reading helps individuals, especially students, to consciously improve their knowledge and well-being. It sharpens their minds and enables them to contribute meaningfully to their communities while reading in a relaxed environment,” he said.
He added that Lagos libraries would continue to evolve into technology-driven resource centers with internet access, discussion spaces, and relaxation corners to foster a flexible and enjoyable reading culture.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Pius Olaojo of the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of Ibadan, urged students to cultivate the habit of reading for pleasure.
Olaojo described reading as a powerful tool for mental relaxation, creativity, and improved academic performance beyond classroom activities and exams.
He noted that reading for exams differs from leisure reading, and students can relax by enjoying books whenever academic stress becomes overwhelming.
“Reading for pleasure refreshes the mind and helps students return to their studies with renewed focus, energy, and understanding of difficult subjects,” he said.
He defined reading for pleasure as recreational or personal reading done mainly for enjoyment, entertainment, and productive use of free time outside academic or religious activities.
According to him, books read for pleasure can positively influence lives, broaden knowledge, and expose readers to new ideas, creativity, and personal growth.
“When you are reading to pass exams, that is not reading for pleasure because your focus is different. But when studying becomes stressful or boring—such as struggling with Geography or Mathematics—you can relax by reading for pleasure. That kind of reading refreshes the mind,” he explained.
In her welcoming address, Mrs. Sofuye Oyenike, Acting Director of the Lagos State Library Board, said the theme aimed to revive the reading culture among young people.
Oyenike added that the initiative would help make libraries, classrooms, and homes vibrant centers of learning and creativity.
She stated that the platform brought together students from different districts to share reading experiences through drama presentations, poetry, and other activities.
“Our duty is not only to provide access to books but also to nurture the habit of reading. That’s why we operate 13 functional and well-equipped libraries across Lagos State,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, Permanent Secretary of the Parastatals Monitoring Office, urged schools, parents, and stakeholders to strengthen the reading culture among children and youth.
Represented by Ms. Balogun Adenrele, Deputy Director of Human Resources, Aina emphasized that literacy is essential for personal growth, critical thinking, and national development.
“Read beyond exams. Read to gain wisdom, build character, improve communication skills, and discover purpose. Every achiever is connected to a culture of reading,” he said.
He also noted that digital transformation cannot replace deep reading and continuous learning.
Mrs. Aderonke Kimemenihia-Eseka, Lagos Coordinator of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria, urged students to read beyond exams.
Kimemenihia-Eseka explained that reading fosters creativity, discovery, personal growth, and leadership development.
“Intentional reading builds intelligent minds, shapes character, and empowers children to shape their future through knowledge and imagination. Readers today become leaders tomorrow. Every child who embraces books opens doors to limitless opportunities, brighter dreams, and a future driven by knowledge, creativity, and purpose,” she said.
It was reported that Oyenike and Mr. Odifa Alfred, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Library Board, received awards of excellence at the event. Students were also given school bags and textbooks.
