STUDENTS URGED TO CULTIVATE READING HABITS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Oyo State Library Board has reaffirmed its commitment to educational excellence and youth development through its Readership Promotion Campaign Programme themed “Building a Sound Mind for Academic Success.” The impactful event was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Anglican Grammar School, Apake, Ogbomoso, drawing students, educators, and community leaders from across the Ogbomoso zone.
The event commenced with a heartfelt and motivational address by Mr. S.O. Awotona, the State Librarian of the Oyo State Library Board. In his keynote remarks, he emphasized the indispensable role of reading and mental discipline in shaping successful students. He described the library as a “sacred space of inspiration and a launchpad for academic triumph,” urging students to make reading a daily habit and to view learning as a lifelong journey of discovery and growth.
Mr. Awotona further inspired the students by referencing Bayo Ododo’s song “Ododo ni wa lowo yin,” underscoring the virtues of integrity, focus, and purpose in achieving success. To further encourage continuous learning, he presented each student with a copy of his motivational book, “My Library, My Success,” a gesture that was met with great enthusiasm and appreciation from the audience.
In his conclusion, Mr. Awotona challenged students to harness the transformative power of reading, reminding them that the mind is the most powerful tool for success. His message of hope and determination resonated deeply, igniting a renewed commitment to academic diligence among the participants.
The highlight of the campaign was a thought-provoking lecture delivered by Mr. Ogunlana, who spoke extensively on “Building a Sound Mind for Academic Success.” He defined the mind as the control center of human reasoning and creativity, stressing that a healthy and disciplined mind is the foundation of wise decision-making and progress. Describing the mind as a battleground between conflicting emotions and logic, he urged students to develop self-control, empathy, courage, and positivity as keys to achieving greatness.
Representing the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Oyedokun, the Permanent Secretary and Inspector-General of Education for Ogbomoso Zone 1, reflected on the evolving importance of libraries in the digital age. Using the acronym “LIBRARY”—Learning, Information, Books, Research, Assistance, Reading, and Yourself—he illustrated how libraries serve as powerful tools for self-development, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for literacy and education under the leadership of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde. He highlighted that the Ogbomoso event marked the final leg of a statewide readership campaign designed to reignite the culture of reading and academic excellence among students in Oyo State.
Distinguished guests, including Dr. A. A. Arinola, Head of Department, Library and Information Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and Professor G. O. Adigun, University Librarian, Federal University of Agriculture, Okeho, also delivered goodwill messages. They emphasized the enduring value of reading as a habit that sharpens intellect, nurtures creativity, and fuels lifelong achievement.
The event featured lively and educational activities, including book tasting sessions, spelling challenges, and the inauguration of Student Library Ambassadors. These ambassadors were presented with appointment letters to serve as reading advocates within their schools. Ogbomoso Baptist High School emerged as the overall winner of both the Book Tasting and Spelling Challenge competitions, while Owode Community Grammar School and Laogun Adeoye Memorial School also earned notable recognition for their impressive performances. Twenty schools in total participated, each receiving donated books to strengthen their school libraries.
The 2025 Readership Promotion Campaign not only celebrated the power of reading but also rekindled a collective passion for knowledge among Oyo State students. By connecting literacy with leadership and academic achievement, the Oyo State Library Board successfully demonstrated that a sound mind built through reading remains the strongest foundation for both personal growth and societal progress.
