The Prof. Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka has initiated a campaign to foster reading and literacy among students in Anambra State. As part of the campaign, the library has distributed books to schools throughout the region.
The library, on Tuesday, took a book-reading campaign to two secondary schools in the state, where it donated books to boost students’ reading culture and learning.
The library said the campaign was in commemoration of the recent UNESCO’s ‘World Book Day,’ observed annually to promote the power of books and reading in the society. This year’s celebration was themed, ‘Read Your Way to Success’.
The library management, led by the University Librarian, Dr Stella Anasi, visited John-Angel Secondary School, Umuawulu; and Nnamdi Azikiwe University High School, Awka. Both schools are in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing the students, Anasi, stressed the importance of reading and adequate use of school libraries to facilitate learning.
She urged the students to imbibe the culture of reading and independent learning to achieve success in life.
She said, “Reading books is very important and significant in a student’s life. This is because anyone who desires to become a leader must be a good reader. Also, anyone who wants to become an influential personality in society must have the habit of reading.
“The major reason for the continued existence of bad leadership in the country is that most leaders did not read well while in school. Read good books to boost your chances of becoming a good leader.
“Don’t rely solely on the teachings of the teacher and teacher’s notebook, but to go the extra mile of using the library to learn independently those things not likely to be taught by the teacher in the classroom.”
On her part, a former Director at Anambra State Public Library Services, Dr Nkechi Udeze, advocated for the creation of library time to enable students to use the library.
Udeze further urged school principals to see the need to employ librarians for professional management of the library.
Reacting, the Principal of UNIZIK High School, Israel Atinuke; and Vice Principal of John-Angel Secondary School, Peter Okafor, thanked the management of the university library for the gesture and assured that the school authority would ensure good use of the donated books.
Also, students of the schools promised to adhere to the advice of reading, pledging to make good use of the donated books for self-growth and development.
Other members of the library staff who took part in the visits were Prof. Hope Chinyere Ilorah Chikaodi, Head of the Circulation Department; Mrs Amaka Alor, Management Science Librarian; Mrs Ngozi Okechukwu, Pharmacy librarian and the Head of Africana Department.
