ABU to revitalise Kashim Ibrahim Library - Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, says the institution is working towards revitalising the famous Kashim Ibrahim Library (KIL).

Prof Ahmed disclosed this at the Ahmadu Bello University Library Complex 2025 International Conference held in the university recently.

'Transformative Libraries: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Knowledge Ecosystem, Innovation and Sustainable Development' was the theme of the conference.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Raymond B Bako, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the theme of the conference, saying that it was timely.

He commended the Ag. University Librarian, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed, and the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr (Mrs) Ibinaiye Dorcas, for a job well done.

The Vice-Chancellor charged all participants to be attentive and wished them fruitful deliberations.

In a remark, the Ag. University Librarian, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support towards the success of the conference.

Dr Mohammed said the theme of the conference was chosen due to emerging technologies in education and in order to meet the needs of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In a keynote speech, the University Librarian, Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Prof Sani Fari, affirmed that digital transformation was here to stay. 

He said it was advancing every minute and that scholars must try to understand digital divide.

Prof Fari thanked the University Management and organisers of the conference for the opportunity given to him.

In another keynote speech, the Vice-Chancellor, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Prof Abdullahi Musa, stated that the ABU Library Complex had for decades shaped scholarship, preserved knowledge and inspired innovation across northern region and indeed Nigeria at large.

Represented by the Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Kaduna State University, Prof Hauwa'u Evelyn Yusuf, the Vice-Chancellor noted that today people found themselves in a world where knowledge had evolved from something scarce to something very abundant.

He said the challenge was no longer access to information, but how to navigate, verify, interpret and apply the massive volume of information that is being produced every second.

Prof Musa argued that across the world, libraries were leading this transformation.

Also speaking, the Director, Distance Learning Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof MB Muazu, revealed that one of the challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Library Complex was integrity issue.

Prof Muazu emphasized that Artificial Intelligence would enhance efficiency, civilization, because with those tools, one would be able to make recommendations of library resources.

The Director reiterated that when AI makes recommendations to any username, one of the first things to consider should be the integrity of that recommendations.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Sabon-Gari Local Government, Hon Jamilu Abubakar Albani, congratulated the Library Complex for organising the conference.

Albani, who was represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Abdul, reaffirmed the commitment of the Local Government in supporting education.

In another goodwill message, a former University Librarian, Prof Zakari Mohammed, appreciated the resilience of the Library Complex in promoting intellectual discourse.

Prof Zakari urged the Acting University Librarian and members of the Local Organizing Committee to maintain the spirit.

The conference was attended by Deans, Directors and Heads of Department within and outside the University.