Nigerians are expert storytellers, no doubt about it. This fact is evident in our largely oral history. But over the decades, our oral history began being recorded into stories that are as timeless and relevant – if not more than sef – as all the Shakespeare and Grimm Brothers’ fairytales.
Here are 16 timeless Nigerian books that the rest of the world ought to gather, sit down and read in much the same fashion as we used to read all their tea-sippin’, cookie-lovin’ stories:
1. God’s Big Toe by Obii Nwachukwu-Agbada
This story is about how one spoiled rich boy, Onwubiko’s life changes when his father dies. An important universal tale for all those privileged kids that forget to wake up grateful every morning.
2. Without a silver spoon by Eddie Iroh
From a book about a boy who had it all, to a book about a boy who did not really have anything to begin with. Without a silver spoon teaches that honesty is indeed the best policy; a universal lesson for everyone.
3. The Second Chance by Nyengi Koin
This is a story of how love conquers all. Move over Romeo and Juliet, come see how real romance plays out.
4. The Passport of Mallam Ilia by Cyprian Ekwensi
It is a story of betrayal and revenge told in such a way that keeps you captivated to the end. It also shows a glimpse of the Northern Nigerian culture and history.
5. The Drummer Boy by Cyprian Ekwensi
This is a very touching story of Akin, the blind drummer boy, and all the many people he meets on his rigmarole sojourn in the world. It’s a touching tale of what blind trust looks like – both figuratively and literally.
6. Dizzy Angel by Grace Nma Osifo
What’s it like being an ogbanje? I will never forget that scene where she describes making herself faint. This one is just a beautiful story of how in spite of tradition and superstitious beliefs, Ogbanje was still able to choose her own destiny. It has everything you will love in a good story, action, drama and yes, what is a good African tale without a bit of magic?
7. The Bottled Leopard by Chukwuemeka Ike
This epic novel will open your mind to the mystical realities in such a way that you have never experienced it. You will wake up in the middle of the night and wonder if you are really alone in the world. The spirit world will join with the real world. You will learn that before there were aliens, there were spirits.
8. The Incorruptible Judge by D. Olu Olagoke
Just like it’s title, this book is about a judge that simply refused to take bribe. Not quite like some real life judges today. But it just goes to show that there is no “fantastically corrupt” nation, only people. And also that corruption can exist in the most seemingly insignificant and subtle of places.
9. Efuru by Flora Nwapa
This is a pioneer story which features a Nigerian heroine that blazed the trail for many future novels with heroines. It will change everything the world thought it knew about women in historically patriarchal Nigeria.
10. The Stillborn by Zaynab Alkali
Yet another book that addresses the female reality in historically and traditionally patriarchal Nigeria. For all those who think feminism is a western construct, think again.
11. The Concubine by Elechi Amadi
This strong debut novel does what most novels of that time did; it explored the power of the spiritual in Nigerian culture. It will also teach you how to know if you have spirit husband.
12. Toads For Supper by Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike
A complicated tale of love. Inarguably a classic. Which should be more than enough reason to read it.
13. The Last Duty by Isidore Okpewho
The writing style isn’t the only thing to love about this book, there’s also the strong themes and characters. It’s a powerful book about war and the emotional and psychological consequences of war and it should have it’s place up there right next to A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway.
14. The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta
This story takes you through the life of Nnu Ego and shows you every woman, or female, you have ever known. And the beauty of it is, this story is not just a depiction of a Nigerian reality, it shows a glimpse of a worldwide reality. Pretty heavy stuff!
15. & 16. Eze Goes to School And Eze Goes To College
Co-authored by Onuora Nzekwu and Michael Crowder, is there any book more iconic than these two? It is the story of a boy who is determined to go to school despite the many challenges on his way.
And now, here’s a list of Nigerian novels that will make pretty awesome movies:
Nigerian music has grown in the last few years, so much that our musicians are now in a class or two of their own. Let’s talk about it. We have those artistes who are badly behaved because they know we love them. Postpones video releases. Has baby mama drama every Friday. Cancels shows. But you […]
The fourth season of Big Brother Naija came to an end over a month ago, but the conversation surrounding the housemates is far from over. So, in a bid to keep the fire burning, we decided to create a quiz that tells you which famous member of the ‘Pepper Dem’ gang is your soulmate. Take […]
While the rest of the world loves to treat our continent like a country, there are actually 54 African countries. So, in a bid to test your knowledge (and educate you), we’ve created a quiz to see how many of their capitals you can correctly name. Go ahead:
Everyone has a Nigerian bank that matches their personality. You could either be as likeable as GTB, as efficient as Access or as mature as First Bank. Either way, all you have to do is take this quiz and we’ll let you know with almost 100% certainty. So, go ahead:
It can be very stressful when you’re trying to find the love of your life, but you only keep meeting people that are exactly like your yeye ex. To help you be more aware of that problem, we’ve created a quiz that lets you know the kind of people you are attracting. Take it to […]
August is over, and here are some of our best quizzes from August. Enjoy: 1. QUIZ: Only Ajebutters Can Get 10/21 On This Quiz Some people like to form ajepako when they’re really ajebutter. Are you one of them? Let’s find out. 2. QUIZ: Sorry, If You’re Under 25 There’s No Way You Can Pass […]
Children’s day, a day set apart for kids. Like they don’t win at life already? You’re not paying bills or rent and you have a day to celebrate yourself? Get me their manager, please. On days like this, we can’t help but remember how good we used to have it so we wrote this article […]
Are you a Nigerian Student? Are you in a relationship with a fellow Nigerian student? If your answer to these questions is “yes”, then definitely understand these struggles stated below The roommate that does not understand privacy You have been telling Cynthia about how bae is coming over for some private time since the beginning […]
Phillipine movies usually follow a pattern that has become obvious and annoying. Consider this list a documentation of that annoyance by once loyal fans.
Forget Tunji and Daniella, if you’re wondering who your best friend is, it’s most definitely the phone you’re either reading this from or the phone that’s somewhere within your vision; we know this because you’re definitely a phone addict that gets a little impatient when you’re too far away from your phone. Okay, let’s not […]
Yes, Valentine’s Day is almost here. Love notes, chocolates, hampers, and everything that comes with it. But while everyone is being hit by cupid’s arrow, there are some people who don’t even feel the hype. If you’re one of them, then grab a seat at this table. 1. You, when you hear that Valentine is […]
In case you have not realised it, Nigerians have a PhD in lying. Multiple PhDs, even. And there are some people who are professors in the art of lying, but we will keep that conversation for another day. Anyway, here is a list of common lies Nigerians tell. Don’t lie, we know you must told […]
Anyone who grew up in a Nigerian household understands that the Saturday routine does not change. It is the same yesterday, today and forever. If you are a true Nigerian, then you’ll understand these pictures and their connection to Saturday mornings. 1. Morning devotion by 6:00 AM. In which your parents can slap you for […]
What happens when a group of chatty young Nigerians talk about things they're passionate about? You get Nigerians talk. A show that discusses very familiar struggles for the average Nigerian. From relationship deal breakers to sex education with Nigerian parents to leaving Nigeria, be prepared for a ride.
What happens when a group of chatty young Nigerians talk about things they're passionate about? You get Nigerians talk. A show that discusses very familiar struggles for the average Nigerian. From relationship deal breakers to sex education with Nigerian parents to leaving Nigeria, be prepared for a ride.
Life is already hard. Deciding where to eat and get the best lifestyle experiences, isn't something you should stress about. Let VRSUS do that for you.
Z! Stacks
Here's a rabbit hole of stories to lose yourself in:
What happens when a group of chatty young Nigerians talk about things they're passionate about? You get Nigerians talk. A show that discusses very familiar struggles for the average Nigerian. From relationship deal breakers to sex education with Nigerian parents to leaving Nigeria, be prepared for a ride.
What happens when a group of chatty young Nigerians talk about things they're passionate about? You get Nigerians talk. A show that discusses very familiar struggles for the average Nigerian. From relationship deal breakers to sex education with Nigerian parents to leaving Nigeria, be prepared for a ride.
Join The Conversation
Bring a friend.