National Library tasks pupils on regular use of physical libraries
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.
The organisations made the call during the 2026 International Literacy Day celebration organised by ZODML in partnership with the National Library of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, in Lagos.
The Head of the National Library’s Lagos branch, Obianuju Onuorah, urged the young participants to read beyond their textbooks and visit libraries regularly.
She said, “My charge to you, our children and young people, is simple: Read one book every month outside your textbook.
“Visit the library every month. And teach one person what you have read. If we all do that, we are already protecting our future.”
The event, held on Tuesday, had as its theme, “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity: Reading, Creating and Protecting Our Future.”
Onuorah said 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.
Onuorah said literacy went beyond learning to read and write, noting that it enabled children to think, ask questions and make informed choices.
“Behind every literate child is a person who can think, ask questions and also choose. When a child learns to read, we are not just teaching ABC; we are giving that child an identity and a future,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of ZODML, Ego Mbagwu, also encouraged the pupils and students to make reading a daily habit and explore libraries.
“I want every student here today to leave with one simple message: Read. Learn. Create. Protect,” Mbagwu said.
She added, “Read because books open doors. Learn because knowledge gives you power. Create because your ideas can change your community. Protect our planet because the future belongs to all of us.”
Mbagwu said ZODML believed that every child deserved access to books, knowledge and opportunities to learn.
Also speaking, Adedamola Oguntuga of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation urged the pupils and students to adopt responsible environmental practices, particularly by shunning indiscriminate waste disposal and embracing recycling.
“We are all responsible for our environment, so our behaviour towards the environment matters,” he said.
Oguntuga also urged schools to help pupils understand the Sustainable Development Goals and relate them to everyday life.
“Schools should also take it as a point of duty to break down the Sustainable Development Goals to pupils,” he said.
Also present was the Lagos Mainland Education District Officer, Ariyo B.F.
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