The Influence of Interactive eBooks on Reading Skills for Nigerians

Reading proficiency in Nigeria remains constrained by uneven access to quality texts and traditional teaching methods that often fail to engage diverse learners. To address this gap, educational stakeholders have introduced interactive eBooks (digital publications integrating audio narration, video clips, hyperlinks, and instant quizzes) to stimulate active reading and scaffold comprehension. Early adopters, such as the British Council’s Digital Library, offer free short‑term memberships to eBook collections, aiming to rekindle reading culture through convenient, self‑paced access.

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Multimedia‑Enabled Comprehension and Motivation

Interactive eBooks leverage multimedia to reinforce key concepts and sustain learner interest. Audio narration supports emerging readers by modeling fluent reading, while embedded videos contextualize complex topics through real‑world scenarios, thereby deepening understanding. For example, a pilot study using interactive history eBooks demonstrated a 26‑point increase in mean test scores among junior secondary students after four weeks of use, compared to a static textbook control group. Such features align with cognitive theory, which posits that dual‑coding (text plus audio‑visual input) enhances memory encoding and retrieval.

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  Beyond comprehension, interactive eBooks bolster motivation by providing immediate feedback and gamified challenges. Research in Nigerian universities indicates that students exposed to eBook platforms report higher reading motivation scores, attributing their enthusiasm to in‑text annotations, progress trackers, and pop‑up quizzes that reward mastery. Furthermore, a national survey found that 78% of respondents perceive interactive assessments as more engaging than end‑of‑chapter exercises, leading to more frequent and sustained reading sessions. By transforming passive reading into an interactive dialogue, these digital resources nurture positive study habits essential for academic success.

Accessibility, Equity, and Lifelong Learning

Interactive eBooks also democratize access to quality reading materials across socio‑economic divides. The British Council’s Digital Library provides thousands of licensed eBooks and audiobooks to members for NGN 9450 per year, while mobile‑first initiatives by Opera and Worldreader enable free downloads of curated titles on feature phones and smartphones. Statista projects Nigeria’s eBook market to reach US$2.19 million in 2025, signaling growing consumer appetite and industry investment in digital reading solutions. These platforms often include offline modes, local language content, and adjustable font sizes; features critical for learners in regions with limited connectivity or diverse linguistic backgrounds.

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  Local publishers and start‑ups further tailor interactive eBooks to Nigerian contexts. OkadaBooks, a homegrown digital publisher, commissioned eight children’s stories written in simple English infused with cultural themes, delivered via a mobile app with audio narration and interactive glossaries. Meanwhile, research on OkadaBooks’ distribution model highlights how embedded purchase links and in‑app recommendations encourage continued reading and support authors economically. By combining accessible technology with culturally relevant content, such initiatives foster lifelong reading habits and contribute to the country’s broader literacy goals.

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Conclusion

Interactive eBooks present a multifaceted solution to Nigeria’s reading challenges, enhancing comprehension through multimedia, motivating learners with instant feedback, and extending access via mobile and library‑based platforms. As evidence from experimental studies and national surveys underscores their value, policymakers and educators should integrate interactive eBooks into curricula, invest in digital infrastructure, and support local content development to maximize their impact on reading skills nationwide.

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This article was first published on 24th April 2025
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