Libraries, Librarians Critical to Sustainable Development, Says FULAFIA University Librarian

The newly appointed University Librarian of Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), Abdulrahman Baba Abdulrazaq, has described libraries and librarians as vital drivers of sustainable development through the provision of timely and relevant information to citizens.

Professor Abdulrazaq made the assertion while delivering the university's 45th Inaugural Lecture, titled "Library and Information Service Delivery as Tools for Promoting Unity in Diversity and Inclusion for Sustainable Development."

He said libraries provide access to information that enables individuals to take advantage of economic opportunities, acquire quality education, improve health outcomes, embrace diversity and inclusion, and contribute to community development.

According to him, libraries remain strategic institutions for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal Four on Quality Education.

The professor noted that libraries promote educational equity by providing access to learning resources, supporting literacy programmes and encouraging lifelong learning for people of all ages.

He called on governments, educational institutions and other stakeholders to increase investment in library services to strengthen national development and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.