EDITORIAL: A Nation that stops Reading starts Declining

Nigeria is facing a silent crisis that many people are not paying enough attention to. It is not about politics, insecurity or fuel prices. It is the dangerous decline of reading culture among young people and even adults.

Today, many Nigerians spend hours daily on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms, but cannot spend 30 minutes reading a book, newspaper, or meaningful article. Attention spans are shrinking rapidly. Young people now prefer short videos, quick gossip and comedy skits to deep learning and serious thinking.

This is becoming a major problem for the future of the country. Reading is not just about passing examinations. It is the foundation of knowledge, critical thinking, communication and national development. Countries that value education and reading usually produce innovators, scientists, writers, researchers and responsible leaders. A society that abandons reading gradually weakens its intellectual strength.

Sadly, Nigeria appears to be moving in that dangerous direction. Many students now read only to pass examinations, not to gain knowledge. Some no longer read at all because they depend on “expo”, malpractice and leaked answers. The rise in examination malpractice in schools is a reflection of a deeper problem: many students no longer believe in hard work, preparation and personal study.

This is why some graduates struggle to write simple applications, communicate clearly or defend their certificates confidently during job interviews. Employers now regularly complain that many graduates lack basic communication and analytical skills despite possessing university degrees.

Social media is also playing a major role in this decline. There is nothing wrong with entertainment or digital platforms. In fact, social media can be useful for learning, business and communication. However, the problem begins when entertainment completely replaces intellectual growth.

Many young people now consume information in seconds. They jump from one short video to another without concentration or reflection. This habit affects the brain over time. Reading books requires patience, focus and imagination. But social media trains the mind to seek constant excitement and instant satisfaction.

As a result, many people now find it difficult to read long articles, books or even important national discussions without losing interest after a few minutes.

This trend should worry parents, teachers and government officials. A country cannot develop beyond the quality of knowledge possessed by its citizens. If young people lose interest in reading, research and learning, the nation will eventually suffer in leadership, innovation, science, technology and even governance.

Nigeria already battles with misinformation and fake news. Many people share false stories online without verifying facts simply because they do not read beyond headlines. Some cannot even distinguish between opinion, propaganda and factual reporting. A stronger reading culture would help citizens become more informed and less vulnerable to manipulation.

The decline in reading culture is also linked to the collapse of libraries and poor investment in education. Many public schools lack functional libraries. In some communities, students have never entered a proper library before. Books are expensive, while reading programmes receive little support.

Parents too must accept part of the responsibility. Some homes no longer encourage reading habits. Children are given phones and tablets at very young ages but are rarely encouraged to read storybooks or educational materials. Many parents themselves hardly read books, newspapers or magazines, making it difficult to build a reading culture at home.

Teachers and schools must also do more. Reading should not be treated as punishment. Schools should organise reading competitions, debates, literary clubs and book review sessions that make learning attractive. Students should be encouraged to discuss ideas and think independently instead of memorising facts only to forget them after examinations.

Government also has an important role to play. Public libraries should be revived and equipped with modern learning materials. Local authors and publishers should receive support. National campaigns promoting reading culture should be introduced across television, radio and digital platforms.

Most importantly, young Nigerians themselves must realise that social media popularity cannot replace knowledge. A viral video may bring temporary fame, but education and knowledge build lasting success.

Many of the world’s greatest leaders, inventors and successful entrepreneurs were shaped by reading. Books expose people to new ideas, improve communication skills and expand the mind beyond immediate surroundings.

Nigeria cannot afford to raise a generation that scrolls endlessly but thinks less deeply.

Entertainment has its place, but it should never replace education. Social media trends will come and go, but knowledge remains valuable for life.

A nation that stops reading gradually stops growing. And a country that stops growing intellectually risks declining in every other area.

Nigeria must therefore return to the culture of reading, learning and deep thinking before this silent crisis becomes a national disaster.