July 18, 2026
MINNA, NIGER STATE – The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has urged governments at all levels to prioritise investment in libraries, describing well-funded and technology-driven libraries as indispensable to quality education, research, innovation and national development.
The call was made during the Association’s 64th National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held from July 12 to 17, 2026 at the Siyyam International Conference Centre, Minna, under the theme, “Our Future, Our Hope: The State of Libraries and Librarianship in Nigeria.” The conference attracted librarians, academics, researchers, policymakers, publishers, students and information professionals from across the country to deliberate on the future of librarianship in the digital age. The programme featured paper presentations (physically and virtually), exhibitions, interactive sessions, cultural displays, the Annual General Meeting, fellowship investiture and presentation of professional awards.
Declaring the conference open, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, announced that the state government had entered into a partnership with Afric-Hub to revitalise public libraries across the state.
According to the governor, the initiative is aimed at transforming conventional libraries into modern ICT-driven knowledge centres capable of providing digital learning opportunities and access to contemporary information resources. He also challenged librarians to embrace emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that digital innovation is redefining education, governance and economic development.
In his welcome address, NLA National President, Dr. Lawal Umar , said the conference theme reflects the urgent need to reposition libraries to respond to contemporary realities. He stressed that libraries remain the foundation of knowledge creation, lifelong learning, national development and informed citizenship, but lamented that many libraries across Nigeria continue to struggle with poor funding, obsolete facilities and inadequate government attention.
Dr. Umar noted that the Association would sustain its advocacy and engagement with policymakers to ensure libraries receive the investment required to function effectively. He further urged librarians to embrace innovation, acquire digital competencies and reposition themselves to remain relevant in an era increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence, digital information systems and emerging technologies.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Ezra Shiloba Gbaje, a Fellow of the Nigerian Library Association, advocated comprehensive reforms within the profession. He called for continuous retraining and reskilling of librarians, curriculum review in Library and Information Science education, and greater investment in digital infrastructure to prepare professionals for the changing information environment.
Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, observed that despite the strategic importance of libraries, many institutions continue to grapple with inadequate funding, obsolete infrastructure, limited access to electronic databases, poor internet connectivity, erratic electricity supply, rising costs of information resources and shortages of qualified personnel. He called on governments, educational institutions and development partners to collaborate in repositioning libraries for greater national impact.
Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Chairman of the NLA Niger State Chapter, Dr. Musa Baba Adamu, described the conference as a timely intervention towards reversing the declining reading culture and strengthening professional practice in Nigeria. He expressed confidence that deliberations at the conference would produce practical recommendations capable of advancing library and information services nationwide.
A major highlight of the conference was the conferment of the prestigious Fellow of the Nigerian Library Association (FNLA), the Association’s highest professional honour on distinguished librarians who have made exceptional contributions to the growth of librarianship in Nigeria. Among those honoured were Professor Emmanuel Okwu, University Librarian of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt; Professor Georgina Uchey Oyedum of the Federal University of Technology, Minna; Professor Uluocha Anyaogu; Professor Abdulganiy Okanla Ahmed;
Dr. Olukemi Adebimpe Fadehan; Dr. Sophia Vivian Adeyeye; Dr. Godwin Nwachukwu Arua; Dr. Adaora Maudline Orakpor; Professor Katamba Abubakar Saka; Hajiya Mabruka Abubakar Abba and Olusegun Victor Olaogun , in recognition of their outstanding service, scholarship and commitment to the profession.
The Association also recognised excellence through several institutional and individual awards, including the Best State Chapter Award won by Kaduna State Chapter, Best Section Award, Information Technology Section, Best Library Week Chapter Activities Award won by Abia State Chapter, Young Library and Information Professionals (yLIP) Award, Mr. Elijah Azeez, Victoria Okojie Award for Advocacy and Promotion of Library and Information Services, Nasir Mohammed.
NLA Service Award was also given to former executives including Pastor Dominic A Omokaro, Dr. Lawal Umar, Dr. Juliet C Alex-Nmecha, Prof. Pius Olatunji Olaojo
Prof. Ogochukwu T. Emiri, and Dr. Amogu Uma Kalu
The NLA Chairman of Niger State Dr. Musa Baba Adamu was also given Award of Excellence and Exceptional Leadership Service award for his outstanding leadership towards the NLA.
Participants expressed optimism that the resolutions reached during the conference would strengthen advocacy for improved funding, accelerate digital transformation of libraries and enhance the role of librarians in advancing education, research and sustainable national development in Nigeria.
The PRO ( Public Relations Officer), Sylvester I. Ebhonu on behalf of the 23rd President and Executive of the Association commended participants for their cooperation and for effectively utilizing the online platforms provided for registration, payment and communication..
