The National Librarian of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to prioritise the national library as a source of national pride.
She made this statement in Abuja on Friday during a media interaction to mark her three years in office.
When asked about the progress on the national library project, Anunobi replied, “We are the users of the national library, but the contract belongs to the Federal Ministry of Education.
“However, I am aware that the Minister is making efforts to move the project forward.
“Everything depends on priority, and one must experience the challenges firsthand to understand the urgency. The Minister recognises this.”
Anunobi added, “If you have been exposed to international standards, you will understand that a national library is a symbol of a nation’s pride and reflects the value placed on education.”
She highlighted the importance of staff training and capacity building for sustainable development, stating that the agency had recruited 103 staff with new competencies to bridge existing gaps.
“The National Library has also implemented the Performance Management System, as directed by the Head of Service, to enhance productivity.”
Anunobi noted that the agency had taken the national library to the grassroots to promote literacy among young people and adults.
Regarding legal documents, she stated that the organisation was working to preserve Nigeria’s national heritage.
She appealed to the Federal Government for increased funding to enable the agency to carry out its services effectively, emphasising that the national library was a vital social service that received minimal resources.
Anunobi concluded by highlighting the significance of the national library, stating, “We are now recognised as a valuable contributor to the country’s development.
“We provide information services supporting the 5th industrial revolution through open knowledge access for inclusivity.”
The national librarian further explained that the national library would celebrate its 60th anniversary in November and was therefore making efforts to increase the visibility of Nigerian knowledge. (NAN)