Professor Chinwe Anunobi, honored with the 2025 Champion of Reading Award by the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters (NBRP), has called on students to safeguard their intellectual abilities against overreliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
She encouraged young learners to move beyond mere consumers of information and instead become creators of knowledge that can shape and enhance AI technologies.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Anunobi delivered these remarks during the 2025 NBRP Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja.
Speaking directly to the students participating in the NBRP Conference and Poetry Reading Competition, she warned against dependence on AI and the distractions posed by electronic devices.
“At your stage in life, your minds are like sponges capable of absorbing immense knowledge. Seize this opportunity to fill your minds with valuable information now, before age diminishes this capacity,” she advised.
“Relying excessively on AI risks dulling your critical thinking and writing abilities. Remember, AI does not generate original knowledge; it simply organizes existing data. Why not be the source of the knowledge that feeds AI?”
“If you see adults around you constantly glued to their smartphones and social media, resist following that path. Instead, pick up a book and immerse yourself in reading,” she urged.
In the competition results, students from Model Secondary School, Maitama, clinched first place in the 2025 NBRP Poetry Reading Competition. Junior Secondary School, Apo secured second place, while Junior Secondary School, Tunga Kwasou took third. Additionally, Chiemezie from Model Girls Junior Secondary School was recognized for the Best Overall Performance.
The winners were chosen based on combined scores evaluating their poem presentation, interpretation, content, and the overall effect of their delivery.
Model Secondary School, Maitama, distinguished themselves through a unified and harmonious recital of a single poem. Unlike other schools whose participants performed different poems individually, the Maitama team divided the poem’s stanzas among four members, with one introducing the piece and all joining together to conclude the final lines.
In his closing remarks, Chief Loye Olowokere, Chairman of the NBRP Abuja Chapter, encouraged the students to cultivate curiosity and critical reading habits.
“Leadership is not a distant goal-it begins now. Keep reading actively and questioning what you read, as this deepens your comprehension. We applaud all NBRP members and attendees today and are committed to elevating NBRP’s impact,” he stated.
Under the theme “Reading: A Unifying Factor,” the conference and AGM are annual highlights of the NBRP and form part of the Book City initiative, with Abuja designated as the 2025 Book City.
