As Nigeria moves steadily toward becoming the 7th most populous nation by 2030—and the most populous by 2050, according to UN projections—investing in early childhood development has never been more urgent. One of the most impactful, low-cost interventions is as simple as reading aloud to children.
Experts agree that reading aloud in the early years strengthens language acquisition, cognitive development, and emotional intelligence. “Children who are read to from infancy are more likely to develop strong literacy skills, concentrate better in school, and engage with the world around them,” notes UNICEF in its Early Moments Matter report (2017). These early interactions create critical brain connections, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
In Nigeria, where literacy rates still lag behind global averages—especially in rural areas—reading aloud can be transformative. “It’s not just about education; it’s about equity,” says Kobi Ikpo, Center Administrator and Head of Programs at Dewdrop Institute, a vocational education and skills training centre focused on capacity-building and community empowerment. “Fostering a reading culture from early childhood gives every Nigerian child a stronger start, regardless of their socioeconomic background.”
Moreover, the National Policy on Education recognizes the importance of early stimulation and language exposure as key to reducing learning deficits later in life. As Nigeria prepares for an explosive population growth, fostering foundational skills through practices like reading aloud isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
By encouraging parents, educators, and caregivers to daily read aloud to children, Nigeria can shape a more literate, empathetic, and capable future generation—one story at a time.