THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A LITERATE (EDUCATED) SOCIETY

A literate society is one which is composed of or made up of vast majority of citizens who are highly educated. This signifies that such society has a very high number of population of citizens who have been thoroughly trained in a well structured and sound educational system, and they are both academically and morally sound, competent and enlightened. They constitute percentage of population who are well informed, well read, well learned and knowledgeable about the society. A literate society and educated society mean almost the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

Having a literate society is the surest and fastest way of achieving sustainable development, such that the citizens will become highly fulfilled for attaining their goal of happiness which is the ultimate quest of every man. It is a kind of a society class related issues are taken into consideration, security of lives and property of it's citizens are guaranteed. The Middle East War involving America, Israel and Iran, that witnessed great destruction of lives and property is not a type that can guarantee citizens the kind of life being described. So many were displaced and made homeless, while economic life of the people was disrupted. What are the manifestations? Hunger and abject poverty.

As stated in previous posts, the benefits of having a literate society are quite enormous, including having a lawful, stable and orderly society, adequate political inclusion through having informed, enlightened and politically active citizens in terms of participation and engagement (politically exposed persons - PEP), and appreciation of government's programmes (public policy), which results in having high maintenance culture - what Nigeria is seriously lacking at the moment. Another benefit of a literate society is having highly moral and upright citizens,  (because formal and modern education through the adoption of scientific methodology, seeks to always establish and maintain absolute truth, that is how the character of calling a spade a spade is formed), as well as seeking to maintain the liberty of citizens, by ensuring their freedom and equality of all and sundry are well protected - an essential ingredients needed to achieve development in the society.

On the whole, in a literate society, citizens are civil, cultured, moral, disciplined, upright, humane and non-barbaric.

SOME IDENTIFIABLE QUALITIES OF A LITERATE SOCIETY 

High productivity 

The rate of productivity in a literate society is quite higher than societies that are not literate. Prominently, literate societies have citizens who are highly skilled and understand the socio-economic system better. This knowledge helps them explore and exploit economic opportunities which ordinarily the uneducated or those who are not literate cannot do. Their skills guarantee efficiency and speedy results, which add surplus to production. The explanation is reflected in the earning scales of citizens - most often than not, vast majority of literate citizens earn above the poverty line, while the non-literate citizens earn below the poverty line, which is currently pegged at $2:15 per day (April 2025).

High standard of living 

When productivity is high, Standard of living will definitely be high, because there is a great relationship between both. Poverty rate is reduced to the bearest minimum in literate societies as a result of maintaining high moral values, including hard work, plus the advantage of sharpened and sophisticated skills contributing to high efficiency in productivity. When citizens earn more money, their socio-economic status will definitely go higher. Unlike a society that is not literate, mostly in developing countries, which are being characterize by low average income per head, because the citizens are mostly unskilled and limited in knowledge.

Income redistribution and income equality 

In literate societies, citizens strive to bridge the gap between the lower end the upper class, because of the standard set for themselves. For example, according to the World Bank Report, about 160 million Nigerians are living in poverty in Nigeria, a break down of the figure reveals that a very large percentage of the population are citizens who are not educated or literate. Many reasons can be deducted for this, including lack of financial education, financial indiscipline, inadequate knowledge about the economy, and how the socio-econonic system works. It is hardly to see uneducated or illiterate citizens talking about or investing in the stock exchange market and other top business enterprises that involves lots of paperwork and huge capital. They are highly limited in knowledge, which is a leading factor of their low socio-economic stutus. It was a British philosopher, Rene Descartes who said that, "knowledge is power". Therefore, if citizens are highly knowledgeable, it is a precursor for restructuring and redistribution of income in the society.

High political participation and political culture

Less abuse of powers is recorded because activities of government are being checked by citizens, owing to their enlightened and well informed status about the society, the reason they can easily hold government to account. A society that is well literate, government do not take citizens for granted. Like a British historian, Lord Acton, said "power corrupt, absolute power corrupt absolutely", and in support to this, is a famous quote by Paul Valery, "if the state is strong, it crushes us. If it is weak, we perish", underscoring the need for citizens to be fully involved in the governance process of the state, in order to hold government accountable, because they are their employee, in an ideal democratic setting.

Political stability 

Political stability is usually achieved in societies citizens are well literate and educated, because of their exposure and active involvement or participation in the political process, and having high, mature and strong political culture. So many crises occuring across the world, which have led to instability and change of government, especially in an unconstitutional means, are usually the resultant effects of political activities, rising from citizens' inability to be cultured, civil, disciplined, law-abiding and responsible. This can explain why political process, elections specifically, are usually married by violence, rigging, thuggery, arson, and miaming, in many African countries, instability is a recurring decimal. Categorically, political stability is assured or guaranteed in a literate society, while it is also a strong factor or recipe for achieving sustainable development rapidly, because government is the primary driver of social change.

Liberty

Liberty of citizens which the inalienable rights of human are subsisted, is very crucial for attainment of ultimate goal and sustainable development in the society. In many countries, especially the developing ones, it is highly suppressed and restricted. Many do not know their rights, while those who know lack the wherewithal and courage to protect them. Most unfortunately, some political systems for some reasons fail the citizens, while the political leaders and the elite class capitalize on the loopholes of the weak and incapacitated legal system, resulting in outright violation of human rights and miscarriages of justice. The citizens' become restricted or limited, while injustice, inequality and lack of freedom thrive. It is only in a literate society, with well informed and enlightened citizens, the trend can be reversed, by steering the course of having a just, orderly and egalitarian society, that will be beneficial to all, in attainment of ultimate goal. In a literate society, in the event of abuse and violation of human rights, the citizens cannot fail to speak up without fear, while the government cannot fail to act, else it will be called to order for negligence, irresponsibility and violation of social contract. Don't forget, it is the main duty of the state through its agent, the government, to ensure the security of lives and property of its citizens.

Security

To have a secure society, all hands must be on desk, not only the duty of the government the way some people are made to believe. In a literate society, security is everyone's business, while it is not so in non-literate society, the citizens don't show commitment towards social development, because of their limited knowledge. In a literate society, such is part of their moral values well inculcated or socialized, in a way that has become sacrosanct. It starts from the individual level in being mindful of the maintenance of law and order, while the reverse is the root cause and starting point of every form of insecurity. Meaningful engagement drives away idleness and redundancy, so the values of hard work dominant in a literate society, contribute in forstalling insecurity. The government cannot get this done alone, without the support of the citizens. That is why proactive measures are sought to tackle or nip in the bud, recipes and precursors of insecurity. A literate society characterized by responsive and responsible government cannot fail to keep to one of its main responsibilities of providing security to lives and property, else the educated, well informed and politically active citizens will call them to order.

A literate society will have no or less mob gang or hoodlums, because the citizens who are well educated, will be meaningfully engaged, and being cultured, civil and disciplined, by virtue of their characters (characters moulding and formation), they hardly involve in inhumane and barbaric acts. This is part and parcel of the social norms being socialized or transferred to the citizens while receiving education. The recurring election violence in Nigeria leading to gruesome killing and destruction of property, the fierce, inhumane and barbaric social discrimination in South Africa known as xenophobia and the xenophobic attacks speak volume about the subject of discourse.

Sustainable development

No society can think of development without having developed brains (literate or educated citizens). Similarly, development achieved or recorded cannot be sustained without the developed brains being productively and strategically engaged, that is one benefit of having literate citizens in the society, because sustainability of development recorded will be guaranteed. It is substantially manifested when these literate or educated citizens make up the vast majority of the population. For instance, poor maintenance culture is one of the serious challenges Nigeria and so many other developing countries are facing, reports have shown that the leading cause of this phenomenon is the citizens poor attitude towards government's programmes (public policy). The citizens because of their illiteracy, ignorance or lack of knowledge, fail to embrace and treat public projects as theirs. Another factor is the citizens' perspective towards the government, which make see anything done by government as 'their projects', a complete alienation from the institution which ought to be the primary driver of social change, which illiteracy and lack of education is largely responsible - for more explanation, see the post titled, "THE NEED FOR CHANGE OR SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE ON GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA". Unlike in a literate society, the citizens meaningfully engaged the government and hold them to account, while the outcomes of government (public policy) are knowledgeably well accepted and treated as theirs.

CAUSES OF THE DYING READING CULTURE IN NIGERIA

The dying reading culture in Nigeria is a worrisome social phenomenon which requires urgent remedy, because bringing to bear positive charge in this regard, to a large extend, can help Nigeria achieve sustainable development. Undoubtedly, there is a significant relationship between a 'reading cultured society' and literacy, as well as a literate society and sustainable development. A literate society is one which is mostly composed of or made up of highly educated citizens. 

As stated in previous posts, the benefits of having a literate society are quite enormous, including having a lawful, stable and orderly society, adequate political inclusion through having informed, enlightened and politically active citizens in terms of participation (politically exposed persons - PEP), and appreciation of government's programmes (public policies), which results to having high maintenance culture - what Nigeria is seriously lacking at the moment. Another benefit of a literate society is having citizens who are honest, truthful (because formal and modern education through the adoption of scientific methodology, seeks to always establish and maintain absolute truth), as well as seeking to maintain freedom, equality and justice (liberty) - essential ingredients needed to achieve development in the society.

During the colonial and pre-independent era, Nigeria had it good in the educational sector, it affected tremendously the educated populace. In fact, the country witnessed a high reading culture, perhaps, it was the result of the high standard of education, a striking opposite of what is obtainable today - the standard of education in Nigeria currently, is abysmally poor, a serious and urgent surgical operation is needed to make a meaningful reversal. There are lots of factors responsible or attributed to the dying reading culture in the country. The include the following:

I. Poor/lack of censorship 

ii. Advancement in technology 

iii. Misplaced priority: monetization and commercialization 

iv. Poor/low standard of living 

v. Promotion of examination fraud 

vi. Poor reward system 

(i) POOR/LACK OF CENSORSHIP

The existence of poor censorship by relevant authorities is a huge factor in the dying reading culture in Nigeria. Because of this inadequacy, low quality contents and half-baked ideas, which make reading uninteresting, are often published, contributing to the dwindling reading populace in the country. From observation, books and other reading materials published nowadays, lack high quality contents and deficient in knowledge based, compare to how it was in the past. In fact, so many books being published do not pass through the scrutiny of the relevant authorities, and so many unqualified persons have picked the wrong profession, often motivated by monetary gains, not seeing writing as a calling, first and foremost, which it's ethics ought to be strictly adhered to. Bring seen as all-comers-affairs, based on the factors outlined above, that is why people out of impatience and greed, will published what is unfit for public consumption (reading).

(ii) ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY 

Advancement in technology has made reading in Nigeria less fashionable, as a result of its enticing nature. Nowadays, a phone (hand-set) has almost the same features and performs almost the same functions as a computer. Audio, video, game materials and the emergence of social media, which have really draw the interest of most Nigerians and digressed their attention from reading, which was a veritable hubby in the past. So many people now spend most of their time watching videos of interest, playing games or doing some other things on the internet which do not promote reading and personal development. Sadly, those activities are for enjoyment and entertainment purposes.

(iii) MISPLACED PRIORITY: 'MONETIZATION' AND 'CONMERCIALIZATION'

Placing priority on monetization and commercialization of ideas and text contents publishing, resulting in low value and low baked production, has greatly contributed to the dying reading culture in Nigeria. Reading becomes non fascinating or captivating because the contents are no longer worthy of affecting and moulding the character of readers, the way it ought to. Writing which ought to be a calling, suddenly became all-comers-affairs, because the motivating factor is money, especially now the internet has presidented advanced technological platforms for publishing ideas, highlighting the deficiencies and inadequacies iexisting in censorship.

(iv) POOR/LOW STANDARD OF LIVING 

So many Nigerian citizens cannot afford three square mill per day let alone affording books that could enhance the cultivation of reading culture. The low standard of living, according to the April 2025 World Bank Reports, shows that about 160 million Nigerians representing a high number of the populace who are living below the poverty line of $2.15 per day (i.e. the average income per head or income per Capita). This is not a good omen for the country, as the dying reading culture has become one of it's multi-plier effects.

(v) PROMOTION OF EXAMINATION FRAUD

The affected citizens in this category are mainly students, although labourers/workers are not exempted. Examination fraud is undisputedly at an alarming rate, and very little is being done to put a stop to it. Students have become oblivious of the fact that reading (studying) is the main and basic characteristics of studentship.As a result of exploring illegitimate ways of passing examination, reading has become less fashionable. Without reading, the essence of going to school is absolutely lost. The development where examination fraud is highly promoted instead of combating it, contribute immediately in killing reading culture in Nigeria.

(vi) POOR REWARD SYSTEM 

When citizens lack motivating force which ordinarily should be derived from having a good reward system, because hard work no longer pays. In this context, several ways of achieving one's dreams or goals in life exist, by cutting corners or through illegitimate means, instead of personal development which mostly occurs by intensive reading. In other words, inability of Nigeria to reward hard work is the leading cause of the dying reading culture. For example, interview has ceased to become the main yardstick for appraising job applicants. Similarly, promotion examination which used to be a norm before a worker is elevated, is fast becoming secondary. The slogan now is, who do you know, rather than what do you know and what can you do.

WHAT SHOULD BE ADOPTED AS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSING NELFUND FOR GRADUATE/POST-GRADUATE CATEGORY

 The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a Federal Government initiative formulated in line with or for the purpose of implementing the Students Loan Act of 2024.The Government has mapped out plan for the implementation of the initiative with undergraduate category being the first phase,, while the graduate or post-graduate category is intended for the next phase. Meanwhile, the enactment of the act of the Parliament and the subsequent formulation of NELFUND occured for the purpose of granting loan to students who cannot afford higher or tertiary education in Nigeria. 

Arguably, NELFUND for graduate/post-graduate category is more needful and will benefit Nigeria more than the undergraduate category, because of the numerous positive multi-plier or attendant effects it will yield as dividend to the public. Beside the necessity, affordability is another important point to discuss, as graduate/post-graduate studies is mostly self-sponsored academic activity in Nigeria, unlike the undergraduate studies that is mostly sponsored by parents and guardians, and it is relatively affordable.

RATIONALE/JUSTIFICATIONS FOR GRANTING NELFUND TO GRADUATE/POST-GRADUATE CATEGORY 

(I) Research 

Nigeria is seriously lagging behind in research and the man challenge responsible for this is lack of fund or sponsorship. Elsewhere, research is a very serious business because of it's importance in the society. Government, the private sector and we'll meaning individuals invest hugely in it, in order to have improved and updated knowledge about their activities, invention of new ideas and methods of doing things, as well as advancement in existing technologies, so that they will be properly guided in decision making process and solving social problems, be it in business, investment, governance, education, agriculture, health, sciences, environment, etc. Research activity is not well appreciated in Nigeria, this is why NELFUND should be strategically deployed for promotion of the said activity. How will this be achieved? It is unarguable that graduate/post-graduate studies (PGD, Masters and PhD) is basically research based, and granting interested applicants loan will drastically increase research activities in the country. Therefore, this is one important reason NELFUND for graduate/post-graduate category should be speedily activated.

(ii) Highly Skilled Man Power and Work Force 

NELFUND for graduate/post-graduate category will massively add to or increase the rate of Nigeria's skilled and highly skilled man power and work force. This is because the boost will definitely be coming from the fraction of the said population who could not have been able to afford such education ordinarily. No doubt, the importance of having great number of highly skilled work force cannot be over-stressed, especially in relation to the country's sustainable development drive; as it will increase the efficiency of Nigeria's productive forces (PF), which in turn, will lead to tangible economic growth It is on this basis, the process for the implementation of the lofty initiative should be fast-tracked by the government. 

(iii) High Cost/Non Affordability

parents, guardians and sponsors can afford undergraduate level education because it is more affordable than the graduate/post-graduate level. Government should really take into consideration the high cost of acquiring graduate/post-graduate education, to justify the granting of NELFUND, in order to express the acceptability and harnessing of the Population-education strategy, discussed extensively in a web page titled, "Is It Brain Drain Or Labour Migration?" Indeed, the government of Nigeria can take advantage of it's abundant human resources, by developing it to become human capital, which will benefit the country immensely. The high cost of graduate/post-graduate studies has denied so many eligible and interested Nigerians the opportunity of enrollment. So, activating or implementing NELFUND initiative in that category, will help such people further their studies.

(iv) Prompt/Quick Repayment 

Undoubtedly, graduates or post-graduate students stand a high chance of repaying the students loan more quickly than beneficiaries in the undergraduate category; this is because of myriad of opportunities that will be available to them, based on their level of knowledge and capacity to be productive - with high preference in the competitive labour market. They will also have opportunities to earn higher than those in the undergraduate category, because of their competence, skills and capacity. With strict measures put in place for repayment and availability of money, it is likely that beneficiaries in this category will respond positively to repayment, than those in the undergraduate category. This should spur the relevant government's personnel to speedily act based on this sound justification.

WHAT SHOULD BE ADOPTED AS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSING NELFUND FOR GRADUATE/POST-GRADUATE CATEGORY 

Below are the effective criteria or requirements that should be instituted for granting loan to graduate/post-graduate category from NELFUND, which is an initiative for the implementation of the Students Loan Act (2024). In this regard, each requirement forming part of what will produce eligible beneficiaries, MUST be centred around research, which the graduate/post-graduate programmes represent.

(i) Research Proposal

The primary eligibility requirement for accessing NELFUND at graduate/post-graduate category should be research based, other requirements should be secondary, since graduate/post-graduate programme is basically research-oriented. This will speak volume of government's intention to promote research using the initiative. To this end, it should not be designed for students who are only pursuing certificates at the expense of the main thing. It means that those who are not research-minded should be disqualified or denied the opportunity, for the sake of national development, because no country can witness optimum growth without prioritizing research activities.

Research Proposal should be well scrutinized by relevant officials/authorities and satisfactrily defended by applicants before granted loan. The scrutiny should be taken very seriously to weed out unqualified and unserious minded applicants who intend to take advantage of the process, by cutting corners, probably submitting undefendable or already existing research proposal, which may not have any value or relevance to the challenges facing the country, as every research is aimed at solving a problem.

(ii) Update of existing body of knowledge 

For knowledge to remain valid and relevant, it must be continuously updated, and this cannot happen outside conducting further research on the subject. In this regard, any genuine research proposal aimed at updating existing body of knowledge should be encouraged, by granting loan to such applicants for graduate/post-graduate studies. Its importance cannot be over-emphasized, because of its ability (validity and reliability) in explaining existing challenges in the society, which remedies or solutions are easily provided.

(iii) Advancement/Innovation in Local and Indigenous Technologies 

Because of the prevailing circumstance, in relation to the current global economic order - globalization - which has come to stay, there is need for Nigeria to take advantage of the technologically-driven process. And this cannot happen outside research-related programme, which should be easily driven by government, being the primary driver of social change. The emergence of NELFUND is a welcome development, to help drive home this lofty project of advancing local/indigenous technologies.

In view of the above, having a research proposal that is aimed at or tailored towards technological innovation of local/indigenous technologies/products should be a good requirement for accessing NELFUND at the graduate/post-graduate category.

(iv) Need-Based Research Problem 

The government/relevant authorities should shoulder this responsibility of identifying problem areas or aspects in the Nigerian state which require urgent and viable intervention. Research approach to a large extend, can help the country solve them; fortunately, solutions provided through research is usually long lasting and holistical, as such identifiad problem is dissected or x-rayed holistically, taking into consideration the likely and perceived factors triggering the problems. In this case, intended applicants should be offered a research area or problem based on the need in the country, in order to help in solving existing problems that will move the country forward.

This is one effective way the country can channel human resources appropriately, by ensuring that interested applicants, who are research-minded, are granted loan, after being examined based on the proposal on the identified problem issued by the government, through the relevant authorities. NELFUND therefore, should be well considered and weighed by government as an effective tool for solving myriad of problems in Nigeria, through research. Don't forget, internet which has become unprecedented invention today, is a product of research. People saw the need to take communication to another level, and the resultant effect is what has connected the entire world and turned it to a global village, such that communication to any part of the world occurs at the speed of light. Nigeria can borrow a leaf from that model to spur the citizens up with NELFUND, because discoveries and inventions are achieved from research.

In summary, government cannot afford to neglect research due to its positive consequences. That is why NELFUND for graduate/post-graduate category should be designed or tailored towards solving the problem of low research activities in Nigeria.

THE DYING READING CULTURE IN NIGERIA

Reading is a vital topic in psychology, social and behavioral sciences, as well as in education. It is a key activity in the process of learning and education of a man., because itis aimed at building character and the development of the cognitive organ. Reading can be defined as the process of recognizing, written and printed works or understanding; an act of reading or studying a book, newspaper, documents, etc. From the forgoing, it becomes apparent that the whole essence of reading is for human development. The contemporary era has witnessed tremendous distraction and diversion of attention from reading, and the saddening situation is precipitated by the prevailing reality in the society, i.e. the emergence of advancement in technology, which is a direct substitution for the hitherto existing order. In other words, the dying reading culture in Nigeria is largely blamed on advancement in technology.

Low quality and standard education in Nigeria is a true reflection of poor reading culture in Nigeria. Students across all level of education now devise easier means of passing examination, involving in all sort of examination malpractice, because they lack the confidence to depend on their brains, as a result of not involving  in reading, which is supposed to be the primary activity of students, regardless of level - what else do students do beyond reading? It is unfathomable or unimaginable to think of anything else outside reading, else education in the country should remain a big joke. This message should be sounded to all students as emphasis to ensuring the building of a lifestyle or culture of reading.

Another sector which poor reading culture in Nigeria truly reflects, is the media - specifically the print. Media traditionally, is classified into two namely the broadcast (radio and TV) and the print  (reading); not forgetting the emergence of the new media officially known as 'the social media', made possible by the advancement in technology, facilitated by communication gadgets and computers. The level of patronage in the print media is at its lowest ebb, because Nigerians no longer read. They prefer to watch and listen than reading, because  entertainment and enjoyment have become the driving Values in the country. In other words, watching and listening are entertaining, enjoying and simple, while reading is tedious and rigorous, yet the most impactful in the development of the brain and character. Some decades ago, the reverse was the case, as a result of the existence of high level of reading culture and non emergence of communication technologies. Newspapers, magazines, periodicals etc have been out of business because of low patronage, necessitated by ack of interest in reading, although ICT has been slowly complementing with innovations in the internet, that is why it boils down to what really captivates the interest of Nigerians among these preferences - listening, watching and reading. Arguably, reading will continue to remain the most potent and efficacious options vis-a-vis human and cognitive development, hence the need for laying this strong emphasis.

SOME FACTORS THAT TRIGGER THE DYING READING CULTURE IN NIGERIA.

1 POOR REWARD SYSTEM 

The Nigerian system and specifically the educational system does not promote hard work, excellence and competence. That is why mediocrity and incompetence are preferred, especially in education and labour sectors. While students no longer read to pass examination (indulge in fraud or malpractices), paper qualifications (which graduates cannot defend) become preferable in the labour market over competence and capacity, for applicants and workers alike.

2 ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGIES

Nigerians have found a substitute or replacement for reading, and it is facilitated by information and communication technologies (ICT). The length of time many, especially the young ones, who are supposed to be developing their minds through reading, spend on watching television and operating various communication devices or gadgets daily, is worrisome. It has gradually shifted interest away from reading, an indicative of a society that is not literate. As stated earlier, reading is an activity which builds and develop the mind more than any other, that is why the interest should be awakened among Nigerians.

3 INADEQUATE CENSORSHIP

publishing has become all-comers affair. The system is producing half-baked authors whose primary interest is money making above high quality ideas/contents. The emergence of ICT which has introduced avalanche of publishing platforms with minimal censorship, is a contributing factor for poor reading culture in Nigeria. This has led to the production of junk and half-baked ideas, which helps in killing reading interest. Authorities responsible for censoring publication of reading content, are not living up to their billing., considering is a serious challenge emergence of ICT has introduced. So, quality contents can help in resurrecting the dying reading culture in Nigeria. Because reading contents can span physical books, online articles, and broadcast/digital media, different specialized agencies handle censorship depending on the medium. For instance, the digital contents, websites and social media, it is the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that is responsible for censorship.

EFFECTIVE REMEDIES/MEASURES FOR RESURRECTING THE DYING READING CULTURE IN NIGERIA.

1 PUBLICATION OF HIGH QUALITY CONTENTS

Having high quality contents can go along way in captivating and sustaining reading interest among the Nigerian populace. So, authorities responsible for  censoring reading contents should do more, especially now ICT has redefined and reshaped publication business.

2 INSTITUTION OF EXCELLENT REWARD SYSTEM 

The kind of reward system that promotes hard work, competence and merit should be instituted, to avoid mediocrity and failure. For example, merit system should be upheld in the recruitment process, while hard work and competence should be acknowledged in academic and educational sector. Mind you, the only way to benefit from such excellent and merit reward system is by being very studious. It should be mainly about what one can do, not necessarily having excellent results alone, which one may unable to defend convincingly.

3 INSTITUTION OF EFFECTIVE SENSITIZATION PROGRAMMES

Relevant stakeholders especially the government should initiate effective programmes to sensitize Nigerians on the saddening dying state of reading culture as well as the effective measures to resurrect it. For the young population, involving mostly students, attention should be shifted away from modern communication techniques, a direct substitute for reading interest. The print media should take advantage of the emerging ICT and the new media to stimulate and sustain reading interest among Nigerians. It will also help to rescue the young minds from the prison yard of ICT, providing them only with excitement, excapede and entertainment that militate against their cognitive development, a disturbing occurrence which does not really help in social development. Better still,, ICT can be used for promoting reading and help in resurrecting dying reading culture in Nigeria. It is part of the sensitization programme that should be initiated.

In conclusion, there is no better alternative to reading as far as cognitive and human development is concerned. That fact should be well stressed, across all strata of the society. If reading culture is resurrected, it will help Nigeria become a literate society, an essential indicator for development.

HOW THE DYING READING CULTURE IN NIGERIA CAN BE RESURRECTED

This is a follow up to the previous post titled "THE DYING READING CULTURE IN NIGERIA".

The fact that the culture of reading in Nigeria is dying shows that there is a glimse of hope, because it can be resurrected or revived. For revival to take place, certain actions must be taken, while all hands must be desk. The critical issue which requires utmost attention is the unawareness of so many citizens, or inability to be knowledgeable about the negative impact the absence of the subject is creating in the Nigerian state. Importantly, to establish a strong nexus or relationship between the existence of the culture of reading and literate society/country, and how it can help Nigeria achieve sustainable development 

In view of the above, the following points will be x-rayed in details, as panacea for resurrecting reading culture in Nigeria:

I. Provision of adequate censorship by government 

ii. Capitalizing on/exploring of advancement in technology 

iii. Putting a stop to examination fraud

iv. Organizing books fair 

v. Organizing reading challenge programmes

vi. Improvement in standard of living 

(I) PROVISION OF ADEQUATE CENSORSHIP BY GOVERNMENT 

Did you know that the method or system of publishing literally contents has greatly changed over time? Authors no longer pay attention to regulatory or censoring guidelines, sadly many do not know such are in existence. Nigeria has many regulatory and censorship bodiies including the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) esponsible for censoring digital contents, websites and social media, in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and others which approve all kinds of reading contents produced in Nigeria. The concern here is specifically on literally or readable contents, not video or audio contents. Writing has now become all comers affairs, little wonder those without the basic and necessary skills, who are strongly motivated by monetary gains, resort to publishing half-baked ideas or knowledge. The resultant effect is that the many junks published lack high taste, quality and standard. They only become prolific producing unworthy or low quality contents, unlike what was obtainable in the past, where writing of books and other materials was time consuming, to avoid feeding the public with half-baked ideas. 

This subject treated here is a great national concern to Nigeria, borne out of keen interest and observation, promoting so many questions why people no longer have interest in reading, why government is not up and doing or living up to expectations, and why the ethics of writing are no longer maintained. Do not forget, great ideas in this world are hidden in books, not radio or TV, not the modern communication gadgets. It is aimed at stirring or stimulating thoughts for a possible shift that will result into attitudinal change or cultural renaissance in reading. Has it ever occurred to people how many years and decades it took to write or author great and important books with tremendous global relevance? Did you get to know how long it took for books such as Things Fall Apart, Long Walk To Freedom, There Was A Country, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, etc? 

Writing of books and other reading materials is a serious calling which in recent time, due to so many social ills and decadence, has been hijacked by business men and fraudsters, whose primary interest is monetization and commercialization, to the detriment of quality and standard. Since books and other reading materials are meant to build or mould characters, the producers of such should be people of high integrity, who can defend or maintain the truth at all cost, which also should be a true reflection of the contents they are producing, in order to affect the readers positively. Government can interven, I mean the concerned regulatory body, to ensure regulatory guidelines for publishing are strictly followed, while also making necessary reforms, in line with existing realities, to address the impact of the changing time. It can enable or contribute to people becoming enthusiastic and captivating about reading

(ii) CAPITALIZING ON/EXPLORING OF ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY 

The same manner advancement in technology has made many people lost interest in reading, same way it can be used positively to stir up or stimulate reading interest. Advancement in technology has considerably made contents publishing all comers affair. Reading contents publishing on the internet platforms lacks proper and adequate censorship. Which agency of government is responsible for regulating reading or text contents publishing, and specifically on the internet, which is the leading manifestation of the advancement in technology? The monetizing and commercializing attitude of publishers is a leading cause of publishing half-baked and low quality ideas/contents. They do not take out adequate time to produce something qualitative and sustainable.

Moreover, the preference of listening and viewing over reading, is being redefined by advancement in technology. Audio, picture and video contents are now more marketable or in hot demand on the internet than text contents. The application of innovations that will redefine the reading or text contents publishing on the internet with same advanced technology, is a remedy and recommendation that can resurrect the dying reading culture in Nigeria. How can this be achieved? First and foremost, it should be established that there lots of activities sustaining people's interest, especially on the internet. Technological advancement can be used to sustain readers' interest and evoke enjoyment and entertainment. Authors and publishers need to think out of the box by designing innovations that are in tune with existing realities, in order to revive the dying reading culture in the country.

(iii) PUTTING A STOP TO EXAMINATION FRAUD

Examination fraud reduces self confidence and causes students inability to build the needed capacity to defend the knowledge acquired or transferred. It kills ingenuity and self initiatives and causes inability to be independent, both in thoughts and actions - many citizens of Nigeria who have passed through school or obtain education, lack capacity to start up something on their own, because the knowledge obtained is not personalized in them, and capacity to instigate such is absent. Addressing this issue squarely can drastically reduce unemployment in the country, because citizens will take up self initiatives or entrepreneurship to make ends meet (Means of Livelihood -MOL).

(iv) ORGANIZING BOOKS FAIR

For availability and affordability of books - since so many people who could have had interest in reading are discouraged as a result of inaccessibility to books. Remember, one has to read book on the area of interest, to sustain momentum, not any kind book he or she stumbles on.

Books fair affords people opportunity to have books at affordable rate, because the alarming rate of low standard of living by citizens, who are living below poverty line, as well as having access to books which could not have been easily accessible. This kind of programme should target the rural localities mostly because they constitute a larger portion or percentage of illiteracy rate in the country.

(v) ORGANIZING READING CHALLENGE PROGRAMMES

Basically for the purpose of creating awareness and laying emphasis on the need for cultivating reading culture. Such programmes can spur People's interest in reading, while they should be non-discretionary in terms of social status, academic attainment, age grade, religion, etc. Government, private organizations, public spirited individuals, can invest in making ideas of this nature a reality, impactful and sustainable. Part of how it should be conducted is by making books available and accessible, to avoid the excuse of not being able to afford books.

(vi) IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD OF LIVING (SOL)

Many people in Nigeria lack interest in reading as a result of being unable to afford books. The low standard of living in the country is alarming, it is a contributing factor to the dying reading culture in Nigeria. So many Nigerian citizens, about 139 million are living below the poverty line of $2.15 per day, according to the April 2025 World Bank Reports. How on earth will citizens within the said bracelet think of buying books, with the current hardship resulting from inflationary rate and devaluation of naira, when it is a difficult task meeting the human's basic needs, especially feeding? This is why books fair and reading challenge programmes should be regularly organized, for affordability, availability and accessibility of books.

INSIGHT ON THE TREND FOR UPGRADE OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TO UNIVERSITY IN NIGERIA

 There are different cadres or tiers of tertiary institutions (i.e. institutions of higher learning), with unique and peculiar functions, which nust be well recognized. Regarding the manner which they are designed or formed, one should not be more important than the other, instead, efforts should be made towards having a clear and sound interpretation of their various functions, in order to effectively appreciate their impacts, considering the central place of education in social development. If changes are made to this effect, in terms of functions or status, the way it is being agitated for by some section of the populace, the meaning and essence of the various tertiary institutions as originally designed, may be lost, and that will be a serious threat to development. So the upgrade of status and type of degree being awarded, could be a misplaced priority, if adequate consideration is not made. 

What is the striking difference between university of education and college of education? It is only a semantic issue if proper interpretation is given the subject, in relation to its unique and perculiar functions. Originally, college of education is a specialized institution of higher learning or an academy charged with the responsibility of training qualified teachers, especially for primary and secondary school levels, in the case of Nigeria. That is why, it is not just a conventional school.To this end, the change of name or status to university is absolutely needles, because its meaning and essence will completely be lost. 

Across the world, as a traditional practice, specialized institutions of higher learning or academies are not mixed up with conventional institutions; their status backed by their various functions, are being maintained or protected in order to obtain social cohesion and stability. There are so many colleges with different specialties including college of nursing sciences, college of aviation, college of agriculture, college of health sciences, college of management sciences, defense academy, institute of technology, institute of economics and politics, maritime academy, etc. Notably, what define them are their unique and peculiar functions which cannot be substituted.

Rather than delving in to  the change of name or status to university, which some Nigerians erroneously perceive university as being superior to college of education, whereas it is not so - they should be adjudged or rated based on their peculiar functions. In this regard, the belief about the superiority of the university over college of education should be discarded, because that will amount to adopting wrong basis for judgement. Both are not the same and should not rival each other, the same manner the three (3) arms or organs of government (legislature, executive and the judiciary) do not exercise similar functions, but jointly form government. If an arm is omitted or separated from the rest, the meaning of government is absolutely incomplete, so it is with the various tertiary institutions.Therefore, this petite misunderstanding and ignorance should be settled once and for all. 

UPGRADE OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TO DEGREE AWARDING INSTITUTION 

As earlier stated, the name, be it college, polytechnic or university, does not really matter, we should not get ourselves confused or deceived any longer. Rather, we should be looking at the possibility of raising the standard of our colleges of education and other tertiary institutions to a level they can run or administer degree programmes (Bachelor of Education - B.ed, Bachelor of Technology - B.Tech), just like the university, instead of the certificate programme, Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) or Higher National Diploma, in the case of polytechnic. College of education, if met the standard requirements, with proper adjustment or amendment of relevant legal frameworks, can run degree programmes, like the university - the current agitation for polytechnics in Nigeria to award a B.Tech I.e. bachelor of technology degree, is incessantly being discussed in the floor of the National Assembly, to erase the gap and settle the dichotomy between the university degree (B.Sc) and polytechnic's (HND), is a welcome development so many Nigerians have embraced. It is quite unfortunate that many Nigerians have grown to accept the misnomer of placing the university top in the non-existing hierarchy of tertiary institutions in Nigeria - in true sense, the hierarchy absolutely, should not exist. This inequality and discrimination has also contributed to the erroneous belief which has necessitated the demand for change of name and status, because so many people ignorantly view the university as being superior to polytechnics and colleges of education. This should not be a priority.

The current efforts towards the change of name should be refocused or rechannelled into upgrading quality and standard. Imagine the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the statutory body for conducting Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), setting minimum entry mark or cut-off mark at 100 in a-400 questions examination, where is the standard now? Polytechnics and colleges of education should start role modelling or emulating the university, in terms of standard, as well as doing same in the aspect of academics, administration, (system), curriculum, facilities, etc.

THE UPGRADE OF AKWA IBOM STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (AKSCOE) TO UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION (AKSUOE)

The state House of Assembly has passed a bill to this effect in 2025, while 2026 was set aside to kick-start the process. Notably, the Staff, both academic and administrative, have been mandated to upgrade their qualifications. It is unknown if it is for the sake of standard or to get necessary approval from the university regulatory body, the National Universities Commission (NUC), time will let us know this. On a serious note, the school should simply start in earnest, the upgrading of its minimum entry requirements - especially the UTME cut off mark. 200 which is the average score anywhere around world, should be adopted for standard sake.

This trend in Nigeria seems to be only a change in name, and perhaps status, a little bit, but the fear remains that nothing might change in standard, which should be in all honesty, the top most priority. To maintain the argument advanced already, there is no striking difference among university, polytechnic and college of education, in terms of hierarchy and superiority, order than their various peculiar, original and statutory functions. Let the true meaning and essence of what a specialized school stands for not be lost in the name of changing it's status. The trend may be colourful but not insightful.

THE FALLEN STANDARD OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS' ENTRANCE EXAMINATION (UTME) IN PERSPECTIVE

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB),  initially saddled with the responsibility of conducting entrance examination known as University Matriculation Examination (UME), for prospective university students in Nigeria, Subsequently, had it's scope of responsibility expanded to include polytechnic, college of education and monotechnique, the expansion warranted a change of name too, to Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with each of the above mentioned cadre of tertiary institutions being allotted different cut-off marks or minimum entry points - a sad development which is unhealthy for the country's educational system. The first question that begs for answer is, why should tertiary institutions have different standards, when they are all producing graduates for different purposes? One should not be seen to be better or higher than the other, the most important concern should be to maintain the unique functions assigned to them; be it university, polytechnic, or college of education, the standard should be the same. 

On this note, JAMB has a question to answer, irrespective of pressure, for contributing in lowering the standard of education in Nigeria, as an examination body. First, for promoting preferences and order of importance among the various cadres of tertiary institutions in the country, allotting them different standards in entry requirements. Second, for pegging minimum entry point (cut-off mark) below average (i.e. below half mark of UTME). Why on earth should the minimum entry point be pegged at 180 and above instead of 200 and above, in a 400-questions examination, regardless of cadre of tertiary institutions? This is a genuine call for JAMB to go back to the drawing board and make necessary reconsideration, in order to help uplift the standard of education in Nigeria. Minimum entry point into various tertiary institutions in Nigeria, regardless of cadre, must be pegged at 200 and above, for standard sake.

The discrepancy in standard among the various cadres of tertiary institutions (institutions of higher learning) in Nigeria has also contributed to discrimination of certificates in the labour market for quite a long time. Thanks to the Parliament (The National Assembly - the Senate and the House of Representatives), for always making attempt at bringing the controversial issue to rest, by continuously indicating concern to enact an act that will level the inequality and sort out the dichotomy between the university and polytechnic degrees (BS.c/HND), especially in relation to their rating in the civil service, so that the private sector can emulate. That should be a reliable path to follow, unlike what hitherto held sway in recruitment process, which had minimum entry level for university graduates at grade level-8, while polytechnic's was grade level-7, regardless of certificate's grade. The dismantling of the dichotomy was a good step in the right direction, to help combat the existing discrimination, which is a leading factor of low standard of education in Nigeria.

JAMB CUT-OFF MARK OR MINIMUM ENTRY POINT FOR UNIVERSITIES 

In the 2025/2026 academic session, according to the UTME board, JANB, the cut-off mark for universities in Nigeria was 150. Note that, the various individual universities have their standard cut-off mark set, which most usually peg at 180, only very few raise the bar above 180, like the prestigious university of Ibadan and University of Ilorin.

JAMB CUT-OFF MARK OR MINIMUM ENTRY POINT FOR POLYTECHNICS AND COLLEGES OF EDUCATION 

100 was set for polytechnics and colleges of education in the 2025/2026 academic session by the examination board. Similarly, colleges of nursing was pegged at 140, and within the past one decade, the standard has remained unchanged.

Unarguably, cut off mark for tertiary institutions' admission should be one of the ways to up the standard of education in Nigeria. It is quite unfortunate to witness abysmally low entry mark being approved by the UTME board (JAMB) and the various tertiary institutions in Nigeria, perhaps for the purpose of attracting more applicants for the purpose of generating revenue; the occurrence is detrimental to standard of education. Sadly, it is not a good omen for the country's future, because of the pivotal role education plays in the society. Adopting low score/mark for entry into the various tertiary institutions is definitely an indicative of or a resultant effect of the fallen standard of education in the country. In view of the above, in as much as attempts are being made to scuttle the dichotomy or disparity between the various tertiary institutions', in terms of their degrees being awarded, disparities in standard should also be erased or bridged, especially in the aspect of minimum entry requirements. In other words, all tertiary institutions in Nigeria should have the same minimum entry score set by JAMB, while it should not in anyway be below average or half mark of the UTME.

IS IT BRAIN DRAIN OR LABOUR MIGRATION?

 Whenever the issue of labour is raised, man who is central and pivotal aspect of it, cannot be avoided. The part man plays in labour relations can never be adequately and sufficiently over-stressed. From time immemorial, man has always been making movement from one location to another, in search of greener pastures. In modern time, due to institutionalization of division of labour and specialization, which clearly marked or expressed the transition from communal to individualistic and complex society. Although this movement is popularly known by many registers as 'mobility of labour', but I chose to call it 'labour migration', for the purpose of clarity and emphasis, in regards to this controversial and contentious subject. In the past, this phenomenon was primarily triggered by climatic condition and insecurity, a typical example of it today in Nigeria, is the 'marauding herders' who perennially ravage the North Central part of the country, especially Benue, Kogi, Plateau and Nassarawa states, in search of greener pastures. Modernity has necessitated other factors including pay packages/remuneration, social amenities/infrastructure, etc.

Obviously, modernity has really transformed the labour sector in  a way that has witnessed notable structural changes and a different kind of labour relations. The controversy about brain drain and labour migration (mobility of labour), is one which requires serious and critical examination, in order to widen understanding, by pointing out the advantages and disadvantages, which will help both individuals and the country in decision making process. Having given the subject a clear and vivid background, it is pertinent to express that brain -drain is a state-related concept; meaning that the concept is mostly concerned with or affected the state or country, in relation to her citizens. It is also concerned with population and national planning of a country. 

Brain drain connotes the movement of highly skilled work force or labour from one country to another. According to Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary in researchgate.net, it refers to "The movement of highly skilled and qualified people to a country where they can work in better conditions and earn more money". The implication of this social phenomenon is that it depletes human capital/human resource based of a country, resulting in inefficient and low productive forces (PF) as well as low national productivity of a country's economy, hence the reason the Nigerian Government view it as a barrier to national development. This is thought by many to be one of the factors of underdevelopment in the country, because of the mass movement or exodus of skilled and highly skilled workers (professionals). The government have made attempt to discourage this phenomenon, including the institution of legal frameworks such as the Revised National Migration Policy 2025, introduction of Mandatory Service Period, basically for health professionals, which requires them to work in Nigeria for up to five years after graduation, before issuance of a full practicing license.

The matter has continued to raise serious debate because of the stand point of many citizens in relation to the poor state of the country, especially health workers citing human rights related issue. In view of the above, The result of a recent online survey conducted by Phillips Consulting Limited, in researchgate.net reveals that, "between 24th of August and 3rd of September, 2022 shows that overall, (52%) of Nigerian Professionals plan to quit and migrate", described in our local parlance as 'Japa'.

On several fora, the government and we'll meaning Nigerians have continuously decried or spoken against it, yet the alarming rate of brain drain lately has been worrisome. On the other hand, the highly skilled work force or population have not heeded to this warning and advice, regarding the perceived adverse effects on the economy of Nigeria. They continue to migrate in great number at slightest opportunity, citing better working conditions, better economy, infrastructure and security, as reasons for their actions. How can Nigeria keep them when it is unable to provide the listed items above to her citizens? It is unarguably bedeviled by complex systemic, structural and cultural challenges, and efforts to provide remedies have proved abortive.

Repudiating the government' stance on the issue, like the cuban education strategy with about 98% literate population, exporting best brains around the world, especially in the medical field, should Nigeria not considering following that foot-steps, being the 7th most populous country and the most populous black country on earth? With alarming rate of unemployment, if the government think that labour migration is brain drain, why not explore and tap from the teeming undeveloped human resource based of Nigeria, through the population strategy' or 'population-education strategy', for excess development of human capita or highly skilled professionals, that will adequately feed the economy, while strategically permitting brain drain. If this approach is adopted, it means priority will be placed on education, and the immediate resultant effects would be having a highly literate society, while sustainable development would be the remote resultant effects. The government can harness the opportunity by looking at it from the positive angle, in terns of the economic benefits the country will derive.

Population-education strategy can be defined as the exploitation and exploration of vast and teeming population to develop a highly literate and a highly skilled work force in the society. If Nigeria can key into this blueprint, given her abundant human resources, it can be a reliable short cut to its development drive. The surplus fraction of the highly skilled population, can be exported across the world, to where they are most needed, for the benefit of the country, including system/cultural diffusion, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), technology/knowledge transfer, balance of payment, average income per head/standard of living, etc. 

In conclusion, if the government of Nigeria is seriously challenged by this lofty idea, the need to complain about brain drain will no longer exist, given the vast population advantage. Therefore, education across all levels should be granted serious attention by government and all the relevant stakeholders, starting with the consideration for the 26% UN's recommendation for education, on the annual budget in order to raise standard of education. On the whole, the government should understand that labour has a market, determined by its related forces, which it can only trade and compete favourably, not necessarily being the sole determinant of the market. Moreover, it will be insincerity and a great disservice for government to digress from unemployment, which should be top most priority, because of it's alarming rate, to focusing on labour migration, which it describes as 'brain drain'.

THE NEED FOR INCLUDING GRADUATE/POST-GRADUATE CATEGORY IN THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND (NELFUND)

 Happening at a time education in Nigeria needs a critical surgical operation, the Students' Loan Act (SLA) - 2024, is a lofty and laudable Federal Government intervention programme in education sector. As much as it is a well commendable public policy, it is undoubtedly embedded with avoidable inadequacies. Therefore, there is urgent need for revisiting it, in order to extend category of beneficiaries, since the current status only covers undergraduates in the universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, vocational schools, etc., with a strong conviction that such extension to graduate or post-graduate category - PGD, M,Sc and PhD - will in no little measure, guarantees rapid sustainable development, be it interest free or not. The aforementioned category definitely needs the programme more than the existing benefitting category.

WHY IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED?

1. The programme is optional and based on need. So, not too many Nigerians would be interested, since a lot of them - parents and guardians - can afford university education for their children and wards. The fund needed to sponsor the graduate or post-graduate category may not be what the government cannot afford.

2. The centrality of producing highly trained, skilled and competent work force. This involved tapping the abundantce of human resources by investing in it's development, to boost the Nigerians productive forces and increase her national productivity. Illiteracy is unarguably a sign of or a recipe for underdevelopment of any country, therefore, untrained, unskilled or not highly skilled population is inefficiently adequate for rapid development in Nigeria. Now, for this rapid development to take place, a large percentage of the country's population should be highly trained and skilled + The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) becomes a good opportunity to get this achieved, so that the willing and interested Nigerians who cannot afford it, can grab the opportunity with both hands

3. Research Purposes - Nigeria is really lagging behind, in terms of research. And research is very instrumental to development of countries. The Nigerian government land private institutions have not done enough in this regard.Since he graduate or post-graduate studies is basically research based, the extension of the programme to this category would definitely guarantee massive research activities which the country is in dire need of, to achieve sustainable development.

LIKELY EFFECTS OF EXTENSION TO GRADUATE OR POST-GRADUATE CATEGORY 

1. It will skilled labour and work force.

2. It will increase literacy rate in Nigeria.

3. It will guarantee or help achieve university autonomy in Nigeria.

4. It will increase funding and investment in education sector.

5. It will help reduce poverty rate in Nigeria.

6. It will enhance government placement of priority in education.

LIKELY WEAKNESSES OR FAILURES OF THE PROGRAMME 

1. Attitude of Nigerians towards government 's projects or programmes (public policies).

2.The fallen standard of education.

3. Inadequacy in strengthening or bolstering monitoring mechanisms by government.

4. Inability to gain employment immediately after graduation for quick repayment.