LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen reading culture and protect students from the distractions and harmful influences of social media through sustained investment in restricted digital learning platforms across schools.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, disclosed this during the eighth edition of the LagosReads Inter-School Quiz Competition for selected public secondary schools held in Ikeja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Adeniran Kasali, the commissioner said the state was leveraging technology-driven education to improve learning outcomes while ensuring students remain focused on academics and intellectual development.
According to him, the restricted digital platforms are designed to enhance learning, promote responsible technology use and prevent exposure to inappropriate online content.
“Teachers and parents must guide students toward productive technology use, ensuring educational devices and digital platforms improve reading culture, academic excellence, responsible behaviour and leadership development among students,” Sule said.
He noted that the annual LagosReads competition had continued to encourage extensive reading among students, broaden their knowledge base and build intellectual versatility.
“This competition encourages students to read extensively, broaden knowledge across subjects and become intellectually versatile because they prepare seriously without knowing where competition questions will emerge from,” he added.
At the competition, Eva Adelaja Girls Senior School, Bariga, emerged overall winner with 14 points to clinch the trophy, while Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, came second with 12 points. Government Senior College, Agege, secured third position.
Earlier, Acting Director of the Lagos State Library Board, Mrs Sofuye Oyenike, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to deepening reading culture through the LagosReads advocacy initiative launched in 2018.
She described reading as a critical tool for communication, confidence building, critical thinking and academic excellence.
According to her, the annual competition provides students with opportunities to read widely, boost self-confidence and expand knowledge beyond classroom learning.
“Every child in Lagos State deserves access to books, knowledge and ideas that broaden perspectives, strengthen confidence and prepare them for greater opportunities and lifelong academic success,” she stated.
Oyenike explained that the competition brought together selected public secondary schools from the six education districts of the state to showcase students’ academic preparedness and intellectual abilities.
She urged students to embrace continuous reading, avoid social media distractions and justify government investments in education through discipline and academic commitment.
She also commended teachers for nurturing students and sustaining a culture of learning, noting that the competition was deliberately designed to make reading attractive, competitive and rewarding.
Chairperson of the Nigerian Library Association, Mrs Aisha Askira, praised the Lagos State Library Board for sustaining the initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the intellectual growth and future of students.
She encouraged participants to view quiz competitions as opportunities to expand their knowledge and improve academically.
In her goodwill message, author Foluke Falayi urged students to cultivate a reading culture and remain committed to learning.
“Read today and lead tomorrow. Whatever vocation you choose, reading remains essential,” she said.
Also at the event, author of African Writers Tribe, Dr Josephine Ogufere, pledged to distribute two million copies of her book titled Renewed Hope and Lagos Revamp Story to students across Lagos State, stressing that reading remains a gateway to knowledge and personal development.
