Don Calls for Urgent Reforms to Revive, Reposition Nigerian Libraries

By Praise Chinecherem

University librarian of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof Stella Ngozi Anasi has called on governments in Nigeria to prioritize reforms to reposition libraries as engines of national development.

Anasi made the call while delivering UNIZIK’s 122nd Inaugural Lecture entitled, “The Neglected Goldmine: Repositioning Nigerian Libraries At A Critical Crossroads.”

She laments that Nigerian libraries face neglect, citing challenges like insufficient funds, poor infrastructure, and lack of ICT facilities despite their importance to national development.

According to her, “despite the widely recognized contributions of libraries to economic and national development, libraries in Nigeria have suffered enormous neglect for many years.

“Libraries in Nigeria face a myriad of challenges ranging from insufficient funds, dilapidated buildings and facilities, lack of information and communication technologies infrastructure and an uncondisive learning environment.

“From school libraries to public libraries, from academic libraries to the National library, which is the apex library, the story is the same.”

Anasi, who is the current University Librarian, decried the sorry state of libraries, questioning government’s commitment to their development.

She said funds meant for libraries in many institutions are often diverted to other projects with more tangible economic benefits, leaving libraries to struggle with inadequate resources and infrastructure.

“The development and growth of the library is not the top priority of the government. Funds allocated to libraries are diverted to other projects and facilities whose economic benefits are easier to quantify.

“Even in tertiary educational institutions where libraries enrich the curriculum and enhance research productivity, the neglect is glaring. The libraries in these institutions are not given the desired attention,” she said.

Anasi, a Professor of Library, Archival and Information Science and a Commonwealth fellow, noted that despite the neglect, libraries have continued to adapt and evolve, transforming themselves to meet the changing needs of 21st-century users.

She further stated that libraries’ ability to innovate has kept them relevant, even in the face of the challenges.

She warned that libraries are not peripheral institutions, but intellectual infrastructure upon which a nation is built, hence maintained that investing in them ensures not only national development, but also social and intellectual sovereignty.

Underscoring need for urgent reforms to unlock libraries’ full potential in driving country’s development agenda, Anasi called on government at all levels, policymakers, and the general public to reorient their perspective and attitude towards libraries and librarians, and to foster collaboration to enhance information service delivery.

“The sustainability and development of libraries should be government top priority. Governments at all levels in Nigeria should demonstrate fiscal commitment to library development.

“Adequate and consistent budgetary allocations should be made available to enable libraries to deploy cutting-edge technologies and resources in support of teaching, learning and research,” she said.

Anasi further urged government agencies and relevant parastatals to expedite efforts in reviewing policies and regulations to facilitate the provision of technological platforms and infrastructure for libraries nationwide.”

She seized the opportunity to highlight her achievements, including research awards, honours, and contributions to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where she served as University Librarian.

Earlier, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ugochukwu Anyaehie described library as the lifeline of the society and vital for educational development of any nation.

He emphasized that inaugural lectures are essential elements of university culture and provide a platform for professors to showcase their research in their respective fields.

He encouraged researchers to think outside the box to find solutions to societal problems by translating their research into practical products.

The well-attended lecture took place at the Zephaniah Madubuko Auditorium, Faculty of Social Sciences, and attracted scholars, industry leaders, and members of the academic community.

In recognition of her academic contribution, Prof. Anasi was decorated with a commemorative medal for delivering the University’s 122nd Inaugural Lecture.