Wike blames students’ poor performance on reading culture

Supervising Minister of Education Nyesom Wike on Tuesday in Abuja blamed the poor performance of students in public examinations on poor reading culture. Wike said this at the opening of a four-day workshop for English Language teachers in secondary schools in Abuja, organised by the National Action Committee on Read Campaign. Represented by Mrs Bridget Okpa, Director, Education Planning, Research and Development in the ministry, the minister said the Federal Government was worried by the declining standard of education in the country, particularly at basic school levels. “The importance of reading among students and teachers to unlocking any form of knowledge and information can never be over-emphasised. “As we all know, the falling standard of education in Nigeria has become a topical issue of national dimension. “It is in recognition of the importance of reading that the Federal Ministry of Education has accorded the Read Campaign recognition. “It is a central place to chart the course of reading and inculcating reading culture among Nigerians,” he said. Wike said that government was stepping up its campaign to address poor reading and comprehension competencies among teaching personnel. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr MacJohn Nwaobiala, said that reading was a valuable asset through which national and international development could be attained. “Reading is the means by which people gain access to the vast and varied supply of knowledge and experiences that are preserved in written form. “It is also an outlet for relaxation and enjoyment. “As the saying goes, knowledge is power, and it is through reading good books that one acquires knowledge,” he said.