Education

National Library Begins Readership Promotion Campaign

Published

9 years ago

July 10, 2017

The National Library of Nigeria has launched its Readership Promotion Campaign in Gombe State as part of the efforts to improve reading culture among Nigerians.
A statement issued by its Public Relations Unit in Abuja, said that the aim of the campaign was to sensitise the public on the importance of reading.
Our correspondent recalled recalls that the campaign was also recently launched in Taraba State.
The statement quoted the National Librarian, Prof. Lenrie Aina, as saying that the organisation decided to take the national campaign to the grassroots in order to “catch the children young”.
Aina, represented by the Deputy Director, Public Services Department, Northern operations, Alhaji Nagya Minin, said that the campaign would help inculcate reading habit in children.
“As the apex library of the country, the organisation is mandated to carry out reading campaign, to sensitise the general public on the importance of reading.
“It is for this reason that the campaign has to go to the grassroots to educate people and children on the importance of reading.
“If not for lack of funding, the campaign should have beeen done in all local governments of the federation.
“This is to enable Nigerians to understand why they should embrace the reading habit.
“When a reader develops reading skills, he is then inclined to read and a reading culture evolves on getting involved in daily reading activities.’’
The professor explained that the National Library initiated the Readership Promotion Campaign in 1981, adding that it had since become an annual event.
According to him, this year’s theme is, “Working Together to Build a Virile Reading Nation:Challenges and Strategies,” with the slogan “Catch Them Young, Read a Book to Your Baby Now”.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Gombe State Ministry of Education, Alhaji Abdulkadir Usman, described the campaign as a welcome development, considering the poor reading habit among Nigerians.
Usman, represented by Mr Josua Ahmad, Director, Administration and Finance, observed that the lack of good education had hindered the development of the North-East in all aspects of life.
He expressed optimism that the campaign would gradually trigger human and infrastructural development in the state.
The Emir of Gombe, Dr Abubakar Usman, in his goodwill message, said that poor reading culture had slowed development in the state.
Usman represented by the Emir of Kumo, Alhaji Umaru Atiku, said reading was the first revelation Allah sent to Prophet Mohammad.
He said that the revelation underscored the importance of reading in the life of every human being.
According to the statement, the campaign featured a paper presentation by Malam Dahiru Aliyu, the Librarian, Federal College of Education, Gombe, reading competition and cultural presentations.

Education

UNIPort Senate Grants Two-Year Amnesty to U2010–U2018 Students

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Senate of the University of Port Harcourt Rivers state has approved a special two-year amnesty for students admitted between the 2010/2011 and 2018/2019 academic sessions who were unable to complete their programmes within the stipulated period.

This was contained in a statement by the university public relations officer,Dr Sammy Kpenu and made available to the tide over the weekend in port Harcourt.

The statement stated that eligible students are expected to submit formal applications addressed to the Vice Chancellor through their respective Heads of Department for review and necessary consideration.

The statement further stated that the approval provides a renewed opportunity for affected students to return, regularize their academic status, and successfully complete their studies.

According to the statement the amnesty also offers a fresh opportunity to students who had issues related to overstaying or other challenges that forced them to discontinue their programmes, to return and complete their academic pursuits.

The statement however said that the deadline for submission of applications end on 31st May, 2026 and therefore urge the affected students to take full advantage of the window the amnesty provided to realise their academic dreams.

Education

Education Commissioner Seeks media collaboration in Rivers

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The River State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor has called on media practitioners in Rivers State to deploy their various communication platforms toward promoting government programmes and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development in the education sector. Dr. Nwagor made the appeal when members of the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists (EEPJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Office in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner emphasized the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting government initiatives, and supporting policies capable of improving the quality of education and human capital development in the state. According to him, constructive media engagement remains essential in creating public awareness on educational reforms, students’ welfare, infrastructural improvements, and other interventions being implemented by the state government. Speaking on the recent appro

Education

“FPOG Bonny Deepens Learning With Hands-On Expedition to NLNG Nature Park”

Published

1 month ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

Academic expeditions and excursions take learning beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, cultural understanding, and hands-on engagement with history, science, and nature. For the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, such outings are a strategic tool for bridging theory with practice.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Department of Science Laboratory Technology led students on an academic excursion to the NLNG Nature Park in Bonny. The team was led by the Head of Unit, Elizabeth Jumbo, alongside Ikor Peter, Usman Thaha, and Elekwachi Progress. The trip was designed to connect classroom instruction with real-life experiences.

According to the department, the excursion sought to deepen learning by linking theoretical knowledge with tangible, real-world exposure. The exercise also aimed to enhance student engagement and retention while promoting social-emotional skills such as collaboration and empathy. It further catered to diverse learning styles among the students.

Academic excursions offer clear benefits. Abstract concepts become concrete when students encounter them firsthand. A history lesson comes alive in a museum, while scientific principles are better understood in natural settings. Such interactive experiences are often more memorable than text-based learning alone.

The outings also build critical soft skills. Trips foster self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience. They broaden cultural awareness and perspective by exposing students to new environments and ideas. For many, the experience sparks curiosity, promotes empathy, and can even influence future career paths.

At its core, the goal is to make learning personal, relevant, and interactive. The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny says it is committed to providing a compass to academic excellence through active learning, consistent organization, and holistic student well-being. The SLT excursion reflects that approach in action.