TETFund Drives Initiative for Indigenous Academic Textbooks in Nigerian Universities
Nigeria's weak reading culture has increasingly become a significant concern, with experts warning that a society lacking in reading habits risks undermining critical thinking, innovation, and informed citizenship. In a nation of over 200 million people, the willingness to read beyond compulsory academic texts remains disturbingly low, particularly among younger generations. Studies indicate that the average Nigerian reads less than one book per year, and only about 56 percent of adults reportedly read one book annually.
Alarming Statistics on Reading Habits
The situation is more alarming among younger Nigerians. Data from the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education reveals that approximately 40 percent of primary school pupils struggle with reading comprehension. These statistics suggest that the reading crisis begins early in the education system and persists into adulthood.
Another indicator of Nigeria's poor reading culture is its declining global ranking in reading indices. The World Culture Score Index, which measures reading habits across countries, has repeatedly placed Nigeria among nations with the lowest reading culture worldwide. In some global comparisons, only a few African countries, such as South Africa and Egypt, appear among those with significant reading hours.
Federal Government's Response Through TETFund
To address this challenge, the Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has introduced 82 textbooks written by Nigerian authors to strengthen higher education. These books were developed under the Higher Education Book Development Intervention Project of the Fund. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote locally produced academic materials and encourage scholarship within Nigerian universities.
Experts believe that by supporting indigenous authors and ensuring quality textbooks are available in key academic disciplines, there will be improved access to relevant learning resources while also strengthening the country's intellectual and publishing ecosystem.
Unveiling Ceremony and Key Remarks
The TETFund Auditorium, venue of this epoch-making event, was filled to capacity as authors, vice chancellors, academics, and other stakeholders from institutions across the country graced the occasion. Unveiling the books, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the initiative reflects the Federal Government's determination to strengthen quality education and advance academic excellence in the higher education system.
He explained that the programme forms part of broader efforts to enhance the standard of teaching and learning in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The minister noted that the intervention was designed to tackle the persistent shortage of locally authored textbooks and reduce Nigeria's heavy dependence on foreign publications.
According to Dr. Alausa, many universities and other tertiary institutions have long relied on imported academic materials, a situation that not only strains the nation's foreign exchange but also discourages indigenous scholarship and academic writing. He stressed that promoting Nigerian-authored textbooks will encourage scholars in local institutions to contribute more actively to academic publishing.
Focus on Science, Technology, and Engineering
Dr. Alausa further explained that such efforts will ensure the availability of relevant and context-specific learning materials across different fields of study, with particular attention given to science, technology, and engineering. The Book Development Intervention of the Fund focuses on several key areas, including the publication of academic textbooks, support for journals produced by professional associations, and the establishment of academic publishing centres in tertiary institutions.
To guide the programme, the Board of Trustees of the Fund had earlier set up a Technical Advisory Group in 2009 to design a framework for its implementation across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The minister commended the authors, publishers, and other stakeholders who contributed to the project, describing their efforts as vital to strengthening Nigeria's academic standing globally.
TETFund's Implementation and Distribution Plans
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, said the initiative was conceived to tackle the persistent shortage of high-quality tertiary-level textbooks. He disclosed that out of the titles unveiled, 72 were newly written under the TETFund book development project, while 10 others were authored by renowned scholars and subsequently acquired by the Fund for use in beneficiary institutions.
Arc. Echono noted that the Fund has so far produced 202 academic textbooks through the initiative, with several more currently undergoing review and evaluation for possible publication. To ensure wide access, he stated that more than 400,000 copies of the books would be distributed to tertiary institutions across the country, while digital versions would also be uploaded online to improve accessibility.
The TETFund boss led participants in observing a minute's silence in honour of one of the contributing authors, Valerie Young Harry, who passed away shortly before the unveiling ceremony. He described her contributions to the project as significant and worthy of recognition.
Call for Practical Application and Commercialisation
Also, the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Masari, stressed the importance of applying knowledge practically and called for strategies to commercialise the books so that authors and their families can benefit from their intellectual contributions. Stakeholders said such initiatives represent a significant step towards improving access to quality academic materials in tertiary institutions.
They added that locally authored textbooks will address the shortage of resources that reflect the country's educational realities and research priorities. By encouraging the publishing of academic textbooks, Nigeria's intellectual capacity is strengthened while overreliance on foreign publications is minimised.
