By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/ Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved ₦700 million for the procurement of reference textbooks for primary and secondary schools in his bid to reviving the reading culture and strengthen research among pupils and students across the state.
Governor Radda made this known on Monday, while receiving the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Veronica, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Katsina.
The Governor observed that the advent of ICT and the widespread use of mobile phones have weakened the traditional reading culture, while also reducing the depth of research among students and even teachers, who now rely heavily on the internet for academic work.
He particularly pointed to the growing use of Artificial Intelligence tools, which he noted are now commonly deployed in preparing speeches and student assignments, as part of the challenge facing meaningful academic development.
Governor Radda commended the National Library of Nigeria for choosing Katsina as the host of its 9th Annual Conference and assured Professor Veronica of his administration’s full support toward its successful hosting.
In her remarks, the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica, said she was in Katsina for the 9th Annual Conference of the institution. She expressed appreciation to the Katsina State Government for the support it has extended toward the successful hosting of the conference.
Prof. Veronica further appealed for stronger partnership and collaboration in promoting literacy and reviving the reading culture, not only in Katsina State but across the country.
She emphasised that libraries remain critical to nation-building, stressing that access to quality books and research materials will equip young people with the knowledge and creativity needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
Leave a Reply