Dr. Kola Adeshina, the head of Mass Communication at Crescent University, recently stated that the reading culture in Nigeria has collapsed. Speaking at the launch of Kunle Sodipo’s book ‘My Take’ in Abeokuta, Adeshina argued that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, alongside the rise of artificial intelligence, have severely stunted the intellectual growth of the younger generation.
Adeshina noted that while reading habits were previously criticized, the current situation is dire. He emphasized that students now use AI tools to complete their coursework, rendering take-home assignments ineffective for gauging true student capability. The professor also pointed to a concerning trend where male students prioritize material wealth, such as buying luxury vehicles, over academic development, while noting that female students currently display more academic focus.
To address this, Adeshina suggested reintegrating moral education and the humanities into the foundational curriculum of primary and secondary schools. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Peter Olusade Adepimpe, who encouraged younger generations to frequent libraries and study history to gain the context necessary to navigate modern challenges.
The book’s author, Kunle Sodipo, remarked that while Nigeria faces significant hurdles, his work aims to propose actionable solutions rather than mere criticism. He stressed that national progress depends on achieving social stability and economic health.
