The Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education has urged students to embrace reading for pleasure beyond classrooms and examinations, stressing the importance of learning, relearning and unlearning.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Adeniran Kasali, made the call at the 2026 World Book Day celebration organised by the Lagos State Library Board on Thursday in Lagos.
The students from the six education districts in Lagos State, alongside stakeholders in the education sector, attended the event.
The theme of the 2026 celebration is: “Reading for Pleasure.”
Kasali said leisure reading enhances mental relaxation, personal growth and broader knowledge acquisition beyond academic demands.
“Leisure reading helps individuals, particularly students, to consciously improve their knowledge and wellbeing.
“It sharpens their minds and enables them to contribute meaningfully to their communities while reading in a relaxed atmosphere,” he said.
He added that libraries in Lagos would continue to evolve into technology-driven resource centres with internet access, discussion spaces and relaxation corners to encourage a flexible and enjoyable reading culture.
Speaking at the event, the guest speaker, Dr Pius Olaojo of the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, urged students to cultivate the habit of reading for pleasure.
Olaojo described reading as a powerful tool for mental relaxation, creativity and improved academic performance beyond classroom activities and examinations.
According to him, reading for examinations differs from leisure reading, noting that students can relax with enjoyable books whenever academic work becomes stressful.
“Reading for pleasure refreshes the mind and helps students return to their studies with renewed concentration, energy and better understanding of difficult subjects,” he said.
He described reading for pleasure as recreational or personal reading undertaken mainly for enjoyment, entertainment and productive use of free time outside academic or religious engagements.
According to him, books read for pleasure can positively shape lives, broaden knowledge and expose readers to fresh ideas, creativity and lasting personal development.
“When you are reading to pass examinations, that is not reading for pleasure because your focus is different.
“However, when studying becomes stressful or boring, perhaps while struggling with Geography or Mathematics, you can relax by reading for pleasure. That kind of reading refreshes the mind,” he said.
In her welcome address, the Acting Director of the Lagos State Library Board, Mrs Sofuye Oyenike, said the theme was aimed at rekindling reading culture among young people.
Oyenike said the initiative would also make libraries, classrooms and homes vibrant centres of learning and creativity.
According to her, the platform was designed to bring together students from different education districts to share reading experiences.
She added that participants engaged in drama presentations, poetry renditions and other activities to mark the annual celebration.
“As a board, our duty is not only to provide access to books, but also to nurture the habit of reading.
“That is why we champion 13 functional and well-equipped libraries across Lagos State,” she said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Parastatals Monitoring Office, Dr Olugbemiga Aina, urged schools, parents and stakeholders to strengthen reading culture among children and youths.
Aina, represented by the Deputy Director, Human Resources, Ms Balogun Adenrele, said literacy remained essential for personal growth, critical thinking and national development.
“Read beyond examinations. Read to gain wisdom, build character, improve communication skills and discover purpose. Every achiever is connected to the culture of reading,” he said.
He noted that digital transformation could not replace deep reading and continuous learning.
In her remarks, the Lagos Coordinator, Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria, Mrs Aderonke Kimemenihia-Eseka, urged students to embrace books beyond examinations.
Kimemenihia-Eseka said reading promotes creativity, discovery, personal growth and leadership development.
According to her, intentional reading builds intelligent minds, shapes character and empowers children to transform their future through knowledge and imagination.
“Readers today become leaders tomorrow. Every child who embraces books opens the door to limitless opportunities, brighter dreams and a future shaped by knowledge, creativity and purpose,” she said.
Oyenike and Mr Odifa Alfred, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Library Board, received awards of excellence at the event.
Students were also presented with school bags and textbooks.
