Education Stakeholders Advocate Strong Reading Culture, Discipline Among Nigerian Students

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have intensified calls for a renewed commitment to reading culture, discipline and academic dedication among students, as part of efforts to address declining educational standards and curb examination malpractice nationwide.

The call was made during the third edition of the Annual School Conference themed “10 Times Better: Mastering Academic Excellence,” held in Ado-Ekiti and organised by the Ife Oladunjoye Empowerment Initiative for secondary school students.

Speaking at the event, an Associate Professor at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Dr. Ifeoluwayimika Bamidele, emphasised the need for a collective national response to the challenges facing the education sector. She stressed that tackling examination malpractice requires the active involvement of parents, teachers, government at all levels and the students themselves.

According to her, beyond formal education, parents must reinforce informal learning by instilling discipline and cultural values that promote academic excellence. She added that students must be properly guided to develop positive learning habits that will shape their future.

Convener of the initiative, legal practitioner Barrister IfeOluwa Oladunjoye, said the programme was inspired by her early exposure to academic competitions and her desire to give back to society. She noted that the initiative is designed to empower Nigerian students with the right mindset and tools needed to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Also speaking, parents of the convener, Chief Biodun Iwalola and Mrs. Mary Olufunke Aguda, underscored the critical role of parents and guardians in nurturing future leaders. They urged families to prioritise quality education and provide the necessary support systems for their children to succeed.

The duo, however, expressed concern over what they described as the growing negligence among some parents regarding their responsibilities, warning that such attitudes could undermine efforts to build a better society. They called for a change in mindset to strengthen the nation’s educational foundation.

Participants at the conference, including students from various secondary schools, commended the initiative, describing it as impactful and enlightening. Some of them noted that the prlogramme had deepened their understanding of the importance of discipline, adherence to rules and commitment to their academic pursuits.

The event featured interactive sessions and mentorship engagements, with stakeholders reiterating the need for government and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to address systemic challenges affecting education in Nigeria.

A total of 63 students drawn from five schools participated in the programme, which organisers described as a step toward fostering a culture of excellence and responsible learning among young Nigerians.