Nigerian Universities Urged to Prioritize Librarians in Advancing Quality Education — NOUN Vice Chancellor

The NOUN Vice Chancellor has urged Nigerian universities to recognize and invest in librarians—especially systems librarians—as vital contributors to quality education and research, emphasizing their role in digital transformation and global academic visibility.

The Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has called on higher institutions across Nigeria to acknowledge the essential contributions of librarians in delivering quality education and advancing research.

Speaking at the 112th biennial conference of the Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU), held at the NOUN Conference Centre in Abuja, Professor Peters—represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Technology, Innovation, and Research, Professor Godwin Akper—criticized the ongoing disregard for the strategic role of libraries in modern academic environments.

“The enhancement of research capabilities among academic staff is a core objective of my administration,” Peters said. “To support this, we have deliberately allocated funds to empower the University Librarian and ensure the continuous upgrade of our library’s learning resources.”

Themed “Revolutionising University Libraries through Adoption of Emerging Technologies for Enhanced User Experience,” the event emphasized integrating digital solutions into library systems.

In her opening remarks, AULNU Chairperson and NOUN Librarian, Dr. Okpala, highlighted the importance of systems librarians—specialists in digital library technologies—calling them the “critical link” between information content and digital access platforms. “We can no longer treat systems librarians as secondary. They are integral to ensuring African scholarship remains globally visible,” she noted.

She advocated for the repositioning of library science departments within faculties of computing or information technology, stating that such a move would strategically align libraries with broader digital transformation goals.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Anunobi, underscored the need for increased collaboration and technological investment in the sector. She stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide through accessible and innovative library services.

In a goodwill message, the Registrar/CEO of the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), Alhaji Ja’afaru Abdullahi Wase, praised the association for its continued efforts in promoting professionalism. He reaffirmed the need for world-class academic libraries to foster innovation, research, and high-quality teaching.

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