Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) has made history as the first tertiary institution in Nigeria to benefit from the TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI)’s pioneering Book Placement Project, aimed at reviving reading culture and inspiring literary creativity among students.
The milestone was marked on Friday with the official donation of a book box containing over 40 curated literary titles—mostly young adult literature—to the university’s Department of English. The project is the brainchild of the TYBLI, founded by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd).
Leading the TYBLI delegation was Dr. Liz Ben-Iheanacho, the Chairperson of the organization, who described the donation as part of a broader strategy to reposition reading and writing as central to youth development. “We believe that a reading nation is a leading nation,” she said, urging students to not only consume literature but also aspire to contribute to it.
Before the handover ceremony, the TYBLI team paid a courtesy call on NSUK Vice Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, to formally introduce the initiative. Prof. Liman welcomed the gesture, stating that the project aligns perfectly with the university’s academic vision. “This initiative will serve the entire student body, not just the Department of English,” she said, and encouraged lecturers and writers on campus to donate their works to the book box.
Prof. Liman also invited TYBLI to make their visits to the institution a regular occurrence, to continuously motivate students towards intellectual growth through reading.
At the Faculty of Arts, the Dean, Prof. Adam Ayuba Binchi, noted that the launch of the initiative during his tenure was both timely and symbolic. “It is a legacy we intend to build upon,” he said, promising full cooperation between the faculty and TYBLI to deepen the impact of the project.
The event at the Department of English was both ceremonial and inspiring. Prof. Steven David, Head of Department, said the core aim of the gathering was to rekindle reading habits among students, while highlighting the department’s readiness to collaborate with TYBLI to achieve that goal.
Dr. Ben-Iheanacho, addressing students during the event, emphasized that the book box is only the beginning of greater literary engagements ahead. “These books were selected to speak to your reality, your creativity, and your potential,” she noted.
Adding an artistic touch to the event were poetry recitations and spoken word performances by students and the TYBLI Secretary, Mr. Jerry Adesewo, further igniting the literary spark among attendees.
