Eminent playwright and literary scholar, Professor Femi Osofisan, has expressed concern over the declining culture of reading among young people, the shortage of quality children’s literature in Nigeria, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence, warning that technology must not be allowed to diminish human values.
Speaking during an interview with PrimeStar News Online, Osofisan said one of his unfulfilled ambitions as a writer is to make a significant contribution to children’s literature, an area he believes remains largely underdeveloped in Nigeria.
According to the renowned dramatist, writers continually seek new challenges and aspirations, regardless of their accomplishments.
“Yes, there is; otherwise, one would no longer be a writer. Writers are always writing and always searching for new challenges,” he said.
The literary icon lamented the shortage of books for young readers, particularly in prose, describing children’s literature as one of the country’s most neglected literary genres.
“One area in which we are seriously lacking is children’s literature. We need far more books for young readers than we currently have,” he stated.
Osofisan revealed that he has written only one children’s book, Making Children is Fun, published by Mosuro, noting that writing for children requires a unique talent and artistic discipline.
“Whenever I set out to write for children, I end up producing a book for adults. Writing for children requires a special kind of artistry and skill,” he said.
He expressed hope that he would still be able to contribute meaningfully to children’s literature in the future, especially through prose works designed specifically for younger audiences.
Beyond literature, the professor voiced concern over what he described as the declining reading culture among many people, particularly younger generations who now spend increasing amounts of time on social media platforms.
“Many people no longer read as much as they used to. Instead, they are increasingly glued to social media,” he said.
Osofisan also raised concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, describing the technology as both an opportunity and a potential danger.
According to him, while AI offers enormous possibilities, society must pay close attention to its ethical implications and establish safeguards to regulate its use.
“AI is both an asset and a danger. While it offers tremendous opportunities, it also poses serious risks if we fail to regulate and control its use,” he warned.
The playwright expressed fears that excessive dependence on machines could eventually lead to the displacement of human beings in many aspects of life.
“If society is not cautious, we may one day find ourselves displaced by machines that possess neither hearts nor feelings,” he said.
He stressed that literature and the humanities remain essential because they preserve human values, empathy and the deeper questions of existence that technology alone cannot answer.
“Literature is not merely about studying systems or algorithms; it is about preserving our humanity,” Osofisan stated.
He argued that literature continues to challenge society to reflect on fundamental questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life.
“Through storytelling, we continue to ask fundamental questions: What is the purpose of life? Is life simply about efficiency? Efficient for what purpose?” he said.
The scholar further warned that technological advancement should not come at the expense of human dignity, employment and purpose.
“If technology deprives people of their jobs and sense of purpose, what becomes of them?” he asked.
Osofisan therefore called for renewed attention to the humanities and the arts, maintaining that they remain indispensable in helping society confront the moral and existential questions arising from rapid technological change.
“More than ever before, we need the humanities and the arts to keep these questions alive in the consciousness of society,” he added.
