Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed Donates Book on Governance to Yakubu Gowon University to Promote Reading Culture in Abuja

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, took center stage at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja on Tuesday, handing over copies of his book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, while unveiling a literacy advocacy initiative called the Reading Sessions Project.

The event drew attention from university staff, students, and senior officials who gathered to witness the donation and celebrate the launch of the programme aimed at promoting reading culture across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Chronicling Eight Years in Government

Mohammed described his book as an insider’s account of his nearly eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023, emphasizing that it serves as a firsthand chronicle of governance, communication, and decision-making at the highest levels.

He highlighted the publication’s role in providing context to some of Nigeria’s most contentious episodes during his time in office.

“The book gives a behind-the-scenes view of pivotal national decisions and controversies, from the Twitter suspension to public narratives surrounding the #EndSARS protests, and even the US$9.6 billion P&ID arbitration case,” he said.

“It was written to preserve an accurate historical record and clarify misconceptions where they often existed.”

Mohammed stressed that Africans must tell their own stories to prevent distortions by others.

He argued that failing to document government experiences would leave contemporary Nigerian history incomplete.

Reading Sessions Project Promotes Literacy and Critical Thinking

The former minister revealed that the book donation is part of the broader Reading Sessions Project, designed to encourage students to read more, think critically, and engage with the country’s history.

Since its December 2025 launch, the initiative has also reached Yaba College of Technology and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, with plans to expand to more institutions in the coming months.

“Books have the power to enlighten minds, sharpen critical thinking, and deepen understanding of our national journey,” Mohammed said.

“This donation is a modest but sincere contribution to scholarship and learning.”

University Officials Applaud the Initiative

Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, welcomed the donation, noting its potential to serve as a reference material for students and academics alike.

“Placing this book in our library will provide another vista for students and seasoned scholars to explore the valued history of that administration,” he said.

“This is a masterpiece that will contribute to intellectual edification and the preservation of memory from that period.”

The ceremony brought together university management, staff, and students who witnessed the presentation, underscoring the growing interest in bridging the gap between government records and public understanding.

Why the Book Matters

Headlines & Soundbites was originally launched to mark the 83rd birthday of the late President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and it reflects Mohammed’s effort to ensure that Nigeria’s political and media history is documented from an insider perspective.

Beyond recounting events, the book provides insights into the strategies, challenges, and controversies that shaped the administration.

What’s Next?

The Reading Sessions Project aims to reach more universities and polytechnics across Nigeria in 2026, with the goal of fostering a robust reading culture among students.

Mohammed has indicated plans to personally donate copies to additional institutions, hoping the initiative will stimulate discussions, research, and deeper engagement with Nigeria’s governance history.

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Summary: Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed donated copies of his book Headlines & Soundbites to Yakubu Gowon University, providing a firsthand account of Nigeria’s 2015–2023 administration.

The event also launched the Reading Sessions Project, a literacy advocacy initiative for tertiary institutions.

Mohammed emphasized the need for Africans to document their own history, offering insight into controversial national events and policies.

University officials praised the donation for enriching academic resources, and the project plans to expand nationwide.