Reading crucial to academic success-Oyo State Library board counsels students

By Suleiman Yusuf

The State Librarian of the Oyo State Library Board, Mr. S.O. Awotona has counseled students in Oyo State on the need to develop daily reading habit in order to succeed in their academic pursuit.

Awotona gave the advice on Tuesday during a Readership Promotion Campaign Programme with the theme "Building a Sound Mind for Academic Success” organised by the Oyo State Library Board at Anglican Grammar School, Apake, Ogbomoso.

Awotona urged students to harness the power of reading, build sound minds, and shape a brighter future through relentless study and curiosity.

He emphasised the crucial role of reading and mental resilience in achieving academic success, urging students to view their education as a lifelong journey rooted in focus, discipline, and curiosity.

The librarian described library as a “sacred space of inspiration and a launchpad for academic triumph and encouraged students to develop daily reading habits, be passionate and perseverance in whatever they are doing to attain success.

Awotona shared a motivational snippet from Bayo Ododo’s song, “Ododo ni wa lowo yin,” which advocates for integrity, clarity, and purpose.

He later gave each student a copy of his book titled “My Library, My Success,” to serve as an educational guide and source of inspiration.

Also speaking Mr Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to education.

Taiwo said Gov.Seyi Makinde's administration prioritized educational and library development in the state.

He said that Ogbomoso’s campaign visit was the final stop in a series of outreach efforts aimed at emphasizing reading as an essential tool for academic success.

Representing the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Oyedokun of the Education Inspectorate, Ogbomoso Zone 1, reflected on the evolving role of libraries in personal growth and civic understanding.

Oyedokun highlighted library core functions to include learning, information, books, research, Assistance and reading.

He  underscored the importance of consistent engagement with reading and critical inquiry to achieve long-term goals.

The campaign also featured a compelling keynote lecture delivered by Mr. Ogunlana, who passionately discussed the importance of cultivating a sound mind for academic success. 

The activities at the campaign includes book tastings, spelling challenges, and the launch of student library ambassadors, while 20 schools that participated in the competitions received book donations to enrich their school libraries.

Ogbomoso Baptist High School emerged victorious in both the Book Tasting and Spelling challenge competitions, with Owode Community Grammar School and Laogun Adeoye Memorial School also performing commendably