The Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has stated that libraries remain essential to university education, even in an era of rapid technological advancement.
Speaking in Abuja at the 112th biennial meeting of the Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU), he called on academics to recognise the continued importance of libraries in the academic landscape.
Represented by NOUN’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Technology, Innovation, and Research, Professor Godwin Akper, Professor Peters expressed concern that some university staff underestimate the role of libraries due to the growing presence of artificial intelligence and digital tools in research.
He noted that some academics wrongly believe libraries are becoming outdated, which he said poses a risk to academic growth, research, and development.
He urged the academic community to be educated on the evolving role of libraries, noting that they are not just repositories for storing books but also spaces for group discussions, strategic planning, career guidance, and collaborative learning.
He added that libraries should continue to be built and equipped to serve future generations of students and researchers.
Dr Angela Okpala, Chairman of AULNU and Chief Librarian at NOUN, welcomed attendees and explained that this year’s theme, ‘Revolutionising University Libraries through Adoption of Emerging Technologies for Enhanced User Experience,’ teaches us to embrace technology to improve library services.
She encouraged the use of tools like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and digital archives to make library resources more accessible and personalised for users.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Anunobi, also addressed the gathering, advocating for greater use of technology to bridge knowledge gaps and improve access to information.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, disclosed that over ₦20 billion has been invested in university libraries across the country to support their development and modernisation.
