Borrowing 23 books in four months and 144 in total, Toluwase Dada emerged as the best book borrower at the Reading Time programme held at Oduduwa Hall on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. This achievement stood out amid growing concerns about a declining reading culture.
Organised by the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, the programme, themed ‘Building a Knowledge Society: Library and Information as Variables in Academia Industry Performance’, aimed to promote reading as a tool for intellectual growth and to encourage participants to expand their knowledge beyond their immediate fields.
Dada is a postgraduate student of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages. To her, this recognition was unexpected and exciting. She disclosed to InFocus that her academic background played a significant role in shaping her reading habits. As someone who attended a government-owned secondary school, she had to either read extensively to excel or take the risk of failing. This early discipline, she added, made her undergraduate studies less demanding.
Additionally, Dada noted that the importance of reading cannot be overstated. She remarked, ‘It is through reading that we discover new things. But if you don’t read, how will you become creative? And how will you learn new things?’
Moreover, she described the Reading Time as a brilliant idea and a commendable effort that highlights the inexhaustible advantages of reading. ‘For people who are aspiring to be successful writers, you have to read. When you read, you understand what it is you wish to achieve with your work – whether it is to criticise or simply add to existing knowledge.’
These comments reinforced the theme of the programme. In her welcome address, the University Librarian, Dr Olukemi Adebimpe Fadehan, similarly stated that, ‘The Library Week is not merely a ceremonial observance; it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to knowledge, scholarship and the enduring power of books.’
Likewise, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, in his opening remarks, described the library as a place to get whatever one needs outside one’s own frame of knowledge. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the moment by immersing themselves in reading, not as an obligation, but as a transformative experience that broadens perspectives and deepens understanding.
The programme featured the Guest Reader, Aare Chief Dele Momodu, Chairman of Ovation Media Group, alongside His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, Aroyinkeye I, The Orangun of Oke-Ila Orangun. Deans of Faculties and Provosts of Colleges also participated by reading excerpts. The event came to a close with the inauguration of the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library Club.
Sharing a similar perspective, another student, Ebidah, noted that knowledge extends beyond one’s course of study and that students should seek more information outside their discipline.
In conclusion, in a time where distractions are everywhere, Dada’s story is a reminder that consistent reading still sets individuals apart. Her recognition at the Reading Time reflects the value of discipline and curiosity. Overall, her achievement lends credence to the programme theme that reading remains a vital tool for personal growth, creativity and knowledge acquisition.