Is the reading culture in Nigeria dying?
Experts say digital distractions, exam-focused learning and limited access to books are changing reading habits in Nigeria.
For years, conversations about Nigeria’s reading culture have resurfaced in schools, literary spaces and online discussions. Many people believe the country no longer values books the way it once did, while others argue that reading has simply changed in the digital age.
Nigeria still produces globally recognised writers and hosts major literary events, yet concerns remain about how often people read outside academic requirements. Questions about the state of reading habits have become more prominent as technology, economic pressures and changes in education continue to shape how Nigerians consume information.
One of the first indicators often examined in this debate is literacy. Nigeria’s adult literacy rate stands at roughly 70 percent, meaning about seven out of every 10 Nigerians can read and write basic sentences. However, literacy levels vary widely across the country. States such as Lagos and Imo record literacy rates above 90 percent, while some northern states report significantly lower figures due to disparities in access to education.
Despite these improvements in literacy, reading as a regular habit remains a challenge for many Nigerians.
Literacy without strong reading habits
Several studies and education reports suggest that the average Nigerian reads fewer than one book per year, particularly after leaving formal education. While many people develop reading skills in school, the habit of reading regularly often declines once academic requirements end.
Experts say this pattern is partly linked to the structure of the Nigerian education system. In many schools, reading is largely tied to examinations. Students focus on textbooks, past questions and required materials primarily to pass tests. Once those examinations are completed, reading outside academic needs becomes less common.
Foundational literacy also remains a challenge at the early stages of education. Education data indicate that about 40 percent of primary school pupils struggle with reading comprehension. In addition, roughly 38 percent of Nigerians lack formal education altogether, limiting exposure to books and structured learning.
Another factor affecting reading culture is the high number of out-of-school children. Nigeria currently has about 18.3 million out-of-school children, one of the largest figures globally. Children outside the school system often have limited access to reading materials, libraries or literacy programmes.
Access to books remains an additional challenge. Many books, especially imported academic texts, can be expensive relative to average incomes. Public libraries that once served as community reading spaces have also declined in several areas due to limited funding and outdated collections.
Digital distractions and changing reading culture
The rapid spread of smartphones and internet access has also reshaped how Nigerians interact with written information. For many people, mobile devices have become the primary source of news, entertainment and communication.
Social media platforms provide short, fast-paced content that competes directly with books for attention. Many young Nigerians spend hours reading posts, comments and messages online, but these formats often involve brief texts rather than long-form reading.
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Some analysts argue that reading habits have not necessarily disappeared but have shifted toward digital platforms. Online articles, blogs, social media discussions and messaging applications now make up a significant portion of daily reading activity.
However, education experts say these formats rarely replace the depth and sustained concentration required for reading books or academic materials. As a result, concerns persist about declining engagement with long-form texts.
A strong literary tradition and efforts to revive reading
Despite these challenges, Nigeria maintains one of the most influential literary traditions in Africa. The country has produced internationally celebrated writers such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Buchi Emecheta, Ben Okri and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Literary festivals and book events continue to attract audiences across the country. The Lagos Book and Art Festival, founded in 1999, remains one of Africa’s most prominent literary gatherings, bringing together writers, publishers and readers each year.
The Nigeria International Book Fair, established in 2001, also serves as a major platform for publishers, authors and educators working to strengthen the country’s book industry.
In recent years, independent publishing houses have emerged to support Nigerian authors and promote local stories. Publishers such as Masobe Books, founded in 2018, have contributed to the growing visibility of contemporary Nigerian literature.
Various initiatives have also been launched to encourage reading among young Nigerians. Book clubs, literary festivals, school competitions and community reading programmes are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen reading culture.
In 2025, a group of Nigerians organised a marathon reading event lasting more than 400 hours in Lagos, where participants read Nigerian books aloud to promote literacy and draw attention to the importance of reading.
These initiatives reflect attempts by educators, writers and cultural organisations to address concerns about declining reading habits.
