By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times | September 1, 2025

The 9th annual National Conference of Librarians was declared open on Monday at the Katsina State Secretariat Complex, with participants expressing concern over the neglect of public libraries across the country.

The two-day conference, holding from September 1 to 2, is themed “Repositioning Public Libraries: Innovation, Community Engagement and Empowerment.”

In her keynote address, the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for revitalising libraries in Katsina State, which she said were near collapse before his administration’s intervention.

However, Professor Anunobi lamented that most state libraries in Nigeria had gone over 25 years without recruiting professionals or updating their collections, with some closed down or converted for other uses.

“This is a major challenge for a nation where more than 20 million people remain illiterate,” she warned. “If urgent action is not taken, the vision of the founders of public libraries will be completely eroded.”

She stressed that libraries in Nigeria must be transformed into centres for digital learning, cultural preservation, and community collaboration. According to her, every new initiative should ensure access that is free, safe, and open to all.

Professor Anunobi urged state governments and library boards to adopt the resolutions of the conference, noting that collective effort was the only way to reposition libraries as hubs of education, innovation, and sustainable development.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Governor Radda, the Katsina State Commissioner for Technical, Vocational and Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Muhammad Musa, noted that despite the growing influence of digital technology and mobile phones in learning, libraries remained vital as centres for research and innovation.

He praised the dedication of the library community in promoting literacy and called for greater investment in staff training and development.

According to the Commissioner, education remains the cornerstone of Katsina State Government’s policies, with investments already made in secondary and tertiary institutions, including the establishment of three specialised schools to equip young people with modern digital skills.

He added, “Government believes there can be no educational advancement without security. That is why it continues to support security initiatives to ensure our schools and communities remain safe and conducive for learning.”

The Commissioner also lauded the National Library of Nigeria for bringing the high-level conference to Katsina, expressing hope that the deliberations would contribute significantly to the revival of libraries across the country.