Blame parents for decline in  reading culture – DVC

By Kehinde Oluwatayo
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The obvious decline in the reading culture in Nigeria has been attributed to  failure of parents in ensuring that their children develop reading habit.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Prof Francis Igbasan made the assertion shortly after  launching two books written by Master Ifeoluwa Allen, a student of Aquinas College Akure, titled: Unserious husband and From grass to grace.

Igbasan who was the Chairman on the occasion, blamed parents for the  decline in reading culture among children, noting that they spend bulk of their time with them than they spend with the teachers.

 He said most parents rather watch movies with their children than asking them to read their books and help them use their time judiciously.

He added that some parents buy expensive phones for their children at a tender age which they use to surf the internet for irrelevant things instead of making them read their books.

Igbasan called on the parents to do more in making sure that their children read their books.

He also called on government to play its part by equipping the public schools’ libraries with books, adding that most of the libraries are bereft of books.

Commending the courage of the 11-year-old boy of a public school to have written two books at a time, showed that the academic standard of the state schools  is still very good.

The book reviewer, Dr Yomi Akinrinmade, Special Assistant to Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu, described the  books as iconic, thought provoking and relevant to every segment of the society.

He said the books exposed to every discerning minds lessons to learn for family upkeep, child growth and character moulding.

While congratulating Master Allen for producing something reasonable and beneficial to the society, Akinrinmade urged other children to learn from him and use their time well so that they can contribute meaningfully to the society.

 lso speaking, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan who was the chief launcher of the books, lauded the feat and encouraged the writer to put more effort, adding that sky can not limit him.

 Igbasan who was represented by Elder Kolawole Oguntimehin charged other students to emulate the author.

  The Principal of Aquinas College Akure, Mr Olusola Adeyeye who described the author as a serious student said the step was an expression that the school is producing talented students.

He opined that decline in reading culture is a general problem and attributed it to distractions from handset, and pursuit of wealth without hardwork among other reasons.

   The author, Master Ifeoluwa Allen said he was inspired by the word of his bookseller who challenged him that when will he bring his own book for sale, instead of  coming to buy other people’s books.

The Junior Secondary School 3 student said he was also guided by the advice of Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, former Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, who said whatever you want to do in life starts with a step.

   The father of the boy,  Mr Temidayo Allen who could not hide his joy, said he noticed the trait in his son when he was seven years, adding that he loves reading and writing which was why he supported him.