National Library of Nigeria Urges FG to Increase Education Funding
The National Library of Nigeria has called for increased education funding during the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day event in Enugu to address overcrowded classrooms and promote a culture of reading among students.
Mary Nwaeze 
The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has called on the Federal Government to boost funding for education in a bid to promote a culture of reading among students. This call was made during the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day event, organized by the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) and held at the NLN in Enugu on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The event's theme was "Read Your Way," celebrating the importance of reading and copyright protection.
During the event, Mrs. Rachel Neboh, the Head of NLN in Enugu State, expressed concern over overcrowded classrooms, with some classes hosting about 50 pupils to one teacher. This high pupil-to-teacher ratio, she noted, has a detrimental effect on the quality of education and learning outcomes. Neboh highlighted the urgent need for more funding to recruit qualified teachers and reduce class sizes, allowing educators to better engage with students and foster a deeper appreciation for reading and learning.
Neboh also emphasized the importance of cultivating a reading culture, urging parents to prioritize buying books for their children. She explained that a strong reading culture can lead to success beyond the classroom, enabling students to broaden their knowledge and enrich their lives. She stated, "Books are very important, and the essence of living is reading. Like somebody will say, when you stop reading, you start dying."
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World Book and Copyright Day, established by UNESCO, is an annual event to celebrate authors, publishers, and the enjoyment of reading. It is a day to recognize the contributions of writers to cultural and educational progress. The event in Enugu was attended by primary school pupils, teachers, and parents, providing an opportunity to share the joy of reading and promote the value of books in education and personal growth.
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The National Library of Nigeria's call to action underscores the importance of government investment in education. By increasing funding, the NLN hopes to address the issue of overcrowded classrooms, improve teacher quality, and ensure access to qualitative education for all Nigerian students. This effort, in turn, will promote a more robust reading culture and contribute to the country's intellectual development.
