The Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Abuja has organised a confab for representatives of the Nigerian literary associations in Abuja.
The Head of the Department, Prof Sylvester V. M., said the meeting would seek ways of improving African and Nigerian literature.
Sylvester called on writers, critics and analysts of African literature to participate in the 50th anniversary by contributing to work which is to be presented at the conference in Nairobi in June this year.
The representatives identified problems hindering the development of African literature to include paucity of funds, lack of standard practices by literary outlets, lack of grassroots literature, poor reading culture, poor packaging of writers, writing and publishing rush and lack of encouragement for children in writing.
On how to enhance the development of African literature, suggestions given include: encouragement of children to read and write, conscientious writing and editing, improvement of media content in terms of language and grammar, teaching Nigerian children indigenous languages, enhancing public performance in writing by prescribing the right standards and good packaging of writers among others.
The literary associations that were represented at the meeting include Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja, Abuja Literary Society, Abuja Writers Forum (AWF) and Infusions, Abuja.
