At the prestigious Port Harcourt BookFest, writers and literature luminaries have called for attention to be paid to literacy in order to address Nigeria’s educational challenges. Koko Kalango, a renowned literacy advocate and Rainbow Book Club founder, delivered a wake-up call about the nation’s mounting education crisis during the reception for shortlisted writers of the Nigeria Prize for Literature.
“According to a recent UNICEF report, Nigeria leads the world with 18.3 million out-of-school children – one out of every three children. We are in an education crisis,” Kalango declared, while addressing a distinguished audience of literary figures and education stakeholders. The event, marking dual anniversaries – 20 years of the Nigeria Prize for Literature and Port Harcourt’s decade as UNESCO World Book Capital – served as a platform for crucial discussions about literacy’s role in societal development.
Drawing from international research, Kalango revealed disturbing correlations between literacy and crime rates. “In the United States, prison planners use reading scores of children aged 8 and 9 to predict future prison bed requirements,” she noted. She added “85 percent of young people who commit crime had low literacy levels.”
To combat these challenges, Kalango announced two major initiatives: “ROAR Africa – stories of notable Africans for young readers, and Talking Books Africa – monthly virtual conversations with authors,” she explained. “These platforms aim to tell Africa’s stories authentically.”
The BookFest also showcased literary talent through the Rainbow Talent Hunt, featuring performances by young creatives from local schools. “The 21st century education goes beyond the classroom to the theatre, the playground, and the dance floor,” Kalango emphasized.
Reflecting on Port Harcourt’s literary heritage, Kalango shared personal memories: “As a child, I travelled around the world through books at the public library on Bernard Carr Street. Today, I would struggle to find a functional library for my children.”
The event highlighted successful Nigerians across various fields, from Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka to Grammy winner Burna Boy, demonstrating the nation’s massive potentials in the arts and culture space. “Nigeria is not just a land of challenges, but of world-class achievers,” Kalango asserted.
Three shortlisted authors for the Nigeria Prize for Literature – Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor, and Olubunmi Familoni – participated in innovative interviews conducted by schoolchildren. Nigeria LNG’s commitment to literary development received praise from multiple quarters. “The dedication of a prize specifically for children’s literature shows foresight in addressing our literacy challenges,” noted Prof. Sarah Okonkwo, a literary critic attending the event.
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Kalango concluded with a powerful call to action: “The World Book Capital title is not a trophy for display. It demands active engagement in promoting literacy and literature.”
Attendees expressed renewed commitment to addressing Nigeria’s literacy challenges. The BookFest not only celebrated literary excellence but also highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the country’s education crisis.
Port Harcourt’s position as a UNESCO World Book Capital city faces critical challenges, with stakeholders emphasizing the need to revive the 200 book clubs established in 2014 and reinvigorate the city’s literary festival tradition.
