Dateline: Abuja, Nigeria
BookNation Transformational Knowledge Ecosystem today recorded a significant milestone in its national advocacy for reading culture and quality publishing as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, personally received BookNation’s Position Paper titled “Expanding Nigeria’s National Book Ranking Initiative Beyond School Textbooks: Strengthening Reading Culture, Quality Publishing, and Lifelong Learning in Nigeria.”
The Position Paper was formally presented during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary at the NERDC Headquarters in Sheda, Abuja.
Present at the meeting were Prof. Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of NERDC; Dr. Ugbalu Egbita, Head of Department, Research and Special Programmes; Reading Ambassador Amb. Manuel Mayeoma RAHIM, CTS, Chief Custodian of the BookNation Vision; Abu ThankGod, National Coordinator of BookNation; Moses Alfa; and members of staff of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
During the meeting, Prof. Salisu Shehu expressed his appreciation for BookNation’s thoughtful contribution to the Federal Government’s National Book Ranking Initiative. He described the submission as a valuable and constructive contribution to national educational development and commended the organisation for its commitment to promoting quality books, reading culture, lifelong learning, and knowledge development in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary further assured the BookNation delegation that, in view of the quality and significance of the document, he would personally forward the Position Paper to the Federal Ministry of Education for consideration. He also expressed his willingness to continue working closely with BookNation, stating that the organisation had impressed him through its constructive engagement and that his office would remain open to BookNation’s contributions toward strengthening knowledge and learning in Nigeria through NERDC.
Presenting the Position Paper on behalf of BookNation, Amb. Manuel Mayeoma RAHIM, CTS (Reading Ambassador and Chief Custodian of the BookNation Vision) commended NERDC for introducing the National Book Ranking Initiative, describing it as a landmark reform that demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to improving educational quality, strengthening learning, promoting reading culture, and enhancing quality assurance within Nigeria’s publishing industry. These themes are central to the Position Paper submitted by BookNation.
He also applauded NERDC and the Federal Government for listening to the concerns of authors and publishers regarding the financial implications of the ranking exercise and for subsequently reviewing the applicable fees. He noted that this responsive approach demonstrates the value of stakeholder consultation and strengthens confidence in the initiative.
Speaking further, Amb. Manuel Mayeoma RAHIM recommended that, after the successful consolidation of the current textbook ranking programme, the Federal Government should progressively expand the National Book Ranking Initiative to selected categories of non-textbook publications. He explained that a sustainable reading culture cannot be built through textbooks alone and therefore advocated the future inclusion of children’s storybooks, children’s literature, professional development books, entrepreneurship and financial literacy publications, civic education materials, books on national values and cultural reorientation, science and technology publications, and other books that contribute to lifelong learning and national development. This recommendation is a central proposal contained in BookNation’s Position Paper.
The Position Paper reflects BookNation’s commitment to constructive engagement with government institutions and its readiness to partner with NERDC in promoting quality books, purposeful reading, literacy development, and lifelong learning across Nigeria.
The meeting marks another important step in BookNation’s mission of building a nation where books inspire learning, shape character, expand knowledge, promote innovation, and contribute to sustainable national development.
