Minister Of Education Urges Former Presidents To Establish Library

The Federal Government has said that measures are in place to guarantee that previous Nigerian presidents create operational libraries in all of the nation’s schools and to promote private and corporate endowment of libraries.

When Professor Tahir Mammanahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, announced this in Abuja, he also disclosed that the National Policy on Library and Information Systems would be examined.

He noted that the Education for Renewed Hope Roadmap lays a great emphasis on boosting literacy, nurturing a love of reading in schools, and building a solid foundation for future generations during his speech at the launch of the 2024 national Reading promotion campaign.

In particular, he said that the education plan outlined precise tactics for improving library services in Nigeria, which in turn leads to an increase in the country’s reading culture.

Reading, according to Mamman, who was represented by Director of Special Duties Abdullahi Zubairu, goes beyond the pages of a book.

It is the first step toward lifelong learning and the acquisition of knowledge and abilities that can equip people to face the difficulties of the contemporary world.

He claimed that one of these tactics was to get corporations and private individuals, including previous presidents, to endow libraries in order to construct useful libraries in every school.

Among other things, he said, the government would also support and involve writers and publishers in adhering to guidelines and standards for quality control and evaluation of instructional materials.

The program would be carried out in 34 states, according to Professor Veronica Anunobi, National Librarian/CEO of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN).

She announced that in addition to continuing to support inclusive reading, NLN would be distributing books and educational resources to vulnerable populations and primary and secondary schools to help them on their reading and learning journeys.

This initiative gives priority to kids in primary and secondary schools, as well as those in hard-to-reach communities, in an effort to “Catch Them Young.”

“In prior campaigns, we have reached out to Nigerian Correctional Centers, hospitals, market groups, artisans, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, and motor parks, highlighting our commitment to making reading accessible to all segments of society and fostering inclusivity,” she continued.