LASU student receives Sam Omatseye’s N100,000 Book Reading Report prize money

By Rianot Ajoke Haruna

ON Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the office of Professor Tunde Akanni, Department of Journalism, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, a brief award presentation to the winner of the Sam Omatseye Book Reading Report and student of Department of English of the university, Rianot Ajoke Haruna, took place. Though it was a modest gathering, the atmosphere was filled with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of fulfilment as everyone reflected on how a simple idea had grown into a meaningful experience.

As Professor Akanni said to Haruna, “This may not necessarily have a reward, but the impact will be felt on your life and career path,” and recounted how the idea for the book reading session started rather informally, with a casual call from the Chairman of Editorial Board of The Nation newspaper, Mr. Sam Omatseye, asking if he had read his new book, Juju Eyes. Upon replying that he had seen it online, Mr. Omatseye expressed his desire to have a book reading session with his students. Encouraged by the idea, Professor Akanni shared suggestions on how to mobilise students and ensure an engaging session. Recognising the need for collaboration, he reached out to the Dean of Faculty of Media Communication, Prof. Jide Jimoh and Professor Rachel Bello from the Department of English, who both supported the initiative.

The session itself turned out to be more than a literary discussion; it was an inspiring encounter. Mr. Omatseye’s brilliance shone through as he responded thoughtfully to every question, creating an atmosphere of learning and reflection. His publisher was present, alongside other dignitaries, including the journalist and publisher of the online arts and culture platform TheArtHubNg, Mr Anote Ajeluorou, who also addressed the students and offered to publish the best report of the event by a student. Sensing the enthusiasm of the student participants, Mr. Omatseye decided to reward the best student report writer with a cash prize of ₦100,000, following Mr. Ajeluorou’s announcement that the best report would be published on TheArtHubNg.

At the award presentation, Professor Akanni joyfully announced the winner, Haruna, whose report stood out for its clarity, insight, and depth of reflection. He then introduced his colleagues in attendance – Dr. Khadijah Yusuf of Department of Journalism, Director, Public Relations and Advertising Studio, Mr. Idris Giwa and Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Engr. Ashiru Oladapo. Professor Akanni emphasised the importance of such events in shaping students beyond the classroom, noting that “sometimes, serendipity leads us to opportunities we never planned for, but that change our lives forever.”

Prof. Tunde Akanni (left); prize winner, Rainot Haruna; Dr. Khadijah Yusuf and Mr. Anote Ajeluorou

Mr. Ajeluorou, who represented Mr. Omatseye, shared that he had initiated the call for submissions to promote students’ participation in art and cultural events. He described the event as “exciting and memorable,” reminiscing about his undergraduate days at the University of Benin, Benin City, where he rarely missed an art event, no matter the distance from his Ugbowo main campus. He praised Haruna’s report, expressing delight at publishing it. He also encouraged her to explore opportunities beyond academics, saying, “We didn’t get here based solely on what we were taught in class. We moved out to gain experiences and hone our skills. Continue on this trajectory, and you will grow beyond expectations.”

In her response, Haruna expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition and opportunity, and recalled how she almost missed the event that day after her class was cancelled: “I had no plans to attend until a lecturer from my department, Mr. Adejobi Oladele, encouraged us to show up. I remember asking my friends who the author was because I had never attended a book reading session before.”

Her friends, Baseerah Omotayo and Mumeenah Onaopemipi, convinced her to attend, which made them to arrived late. When the report writing task was announced, she gathered notes from friends who had been there earlier and decided to write. She humorously shared that she couldn’t afford to buy the book at the event.

“I knew if I bought the book that day, I would go hungry for the rest of the week,” she said with a smile, adding that she later read reviews online instead.

In closing, Professor Akanni shared how Mr. Omatseye’s Juju Eyes reading experience led to an unexpected opportunity. He shared how he received a call from his friend and fellow alumnus of the University of Ilorin, Mr. Niran Adedokun, who sent him a copy of his latest book titled, Every Journalist Should Write a Book. Inspired by this book, Professor Akanni revealed his plans to launch a book initiative aimed at fostering reading culture among university students. The initiative, known as KU8 Club (Kwara University 8+), will begin in Kwara State, led by the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, with plans to extend it to other universities in Kwara State. He further shared his intention to replicate the idea in Lagos, where the concept will be nurtured and expanded through reading. He said the campaigns would start once his forthcoming book is released.

The award presentation was not merely a moment of recognition but a celebration of initiative, creativity, and the power of literature to inspire new dreams. From a simple conversation about a book to an event that united departments, students, and mentors, the story of Mr. Omatseye’s book reading session at Lagos State University, Ojo, underscores one truth: when passion meets opportunity, impact follows naturally.

* Haruna, a final year student of Department of English, wrote the winning report for Sam Omatseye’s book event at LASU on June 11, 2025