TBT: 9 Books Every Nigerian Child From The 90s Definitely Read

April 23, 2020

Books are a reservoir of knowledge, they tell the future and recant the past, and with the lockdown, I find myself always reminiscing my childhood; not that it was purely fun but then there were good laughs then. My friends often argue that I am too much of a bookworm. A nerd if you please because when conversations about books come to the fore, you’ll find me actively leading it.

While reminiscing, I thought about some good ol’ books of ‘them’ days and decided to also tickle your memory while at it.

So, here’s a short compilation of books that every Nigerian Child from the late 90s and early 2000s definitely read. If you didn’t, well, then this writer is not your mate and you should do the needful (prostrating to greet me) when we meet.

1. Janet And John:I am literally howling because this book was everything at that time. Janet and John were twins who had what to them were mini adventures. The book remains locked in my mother’s bedroom.

2. Queen Premier:“Do you go up? I go up” “Mummy, come and watch me go up”. Queen Premier was basically for nursery classes but it was a well read book throughout the country.

3. MacMillan Reader (Agbo Story)“Agbo lived in the town of Lagun which is not far from…” This book was the English reader every Nigerian Child who schooled in the early 2000s used. And yes at one point in my younger years, I disliked Agbo, his life was way too cool. Now, I just laugh at the child stupidity.

4. Sugar GirlA book by Kola Onadipe. It tells the story of Ralia who because of her indiscretion got missing from home. The book was delightful because it kept you anxious, thinking of what would happen in the end.

5. Ugo C. Ugo Primary School Past Questions.

I think there’s very little to be said about this mighty breaker of pupil’s mind. I personally dreaded the Mathematics questions. These books were a necessity for final class primary pupils.

6. Brighter GrammarThis book I used with First Aid in English. The book was great for teaching and learning English and even in these times, it still proves relevant.