IBBUL VC Urges Renewed Investment in Libraries, Calls Them Drivers of National Development

The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, has called for increased investment in libraries and information services, describing them as critical drivers of education, research, innovation, and national development.  

Speaking as Chairman of the Occasion at the 64th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) held at the Siyyam International Conference Centre, Minna, Professor Sulaiman said the conference theme, _“Our Future, Our Hope: The State of Libraries and Librarianship in Nigeria,”_ is timely and aligns with Nigeria’s development aspirations.  

He noted that libraries remain the heartbeat of every educational system and serve as indispensable centers for knowledge preservation, learning, research, and lifelong education. While commending the contributions of academic and public libraries to scholarship and community development, the VC stressed that libraries must be prioritized in national planning if Nigeria is to build a competitive, knowledge-driven economy.  

Professor Sulaiman identified inadequate funding, obsolete infrastructure, poor broadband connectivity, erratic power supply, limited access to current databases, and shortages of qualified personnel as major challenges facing libraries nationwide.  

He, however, expressed optimism that the sector could be transformed through stronger government support, strategic partnerships, continuous professional development, and the adoption of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and digital repositories. He urged participants to develop practical and implementable recommendations to strengthen library services across the country.  

Declaring the conference open on behalf of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, the Niger State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy through sustained investment in libraries, education, digital technology, and innovation.  

He described libraries as institutions that have evolved beyond book repositories to become centers of digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. The Commissioner urged librarians to embrace emerging technologies and position themselves as custodians of credible information in the fight against misinformation and fake news.  

He also emphasized the state’s support for integrating digital libraries into schools and tertiary institutions, and for partnerships that will strengthen library services and support Niger State’s agricultural and digital economy agenda.  

In welcome addresses, the National President of the NLA, Dr. Lawal Umar, and the Chairman, NLA Niger State Chapter, Dr. Musa Baba Adamu, described the conference as a vital platform for advancing librarianship and promoting knowledge-driven development. They reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to professional development, digital innovation, and collaboration with government to reposition libraries as centers of learning and equitable access to information.  

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Ezra Shiloba Gbaje of the Department of Library and Information Science, Federal University Lokoja, urged Nigerian librarians to embrace AI, cloud computing, big data, and digital preservation technologies. He said librarians must transition from custodians of books to digital information specialists with AI literacy, capable of training users in responsible technology use.  

Professor Gbaje also lamented the poor state of many public and school libraries, which he attributed to underfunding and lack of infrastructure, and called for urgent investment in digital infrastructure and staff training.  

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Danlami Ibrahim Wushishi, and NLA Vice President, Dr. Juliet C. Alex-Nmecha. Both commended the Association for promoting professional excellence and described libraries as indispensable for quality education, research, and national development.