Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) has set a new agenda for the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigerian academic libraries, as part of efforts to strengthen learning and research in the country’s universities.
At its 113th meeting, held at the Committee of Vice Chancellors’ Secretariat, Abuja, in collaboration with the Nigerian University Libraries Consortium (NULIB), the librarians deliberated on how best to position libraries in the era of AI-driven education.
The two-day meeting featured practical sessions led by Sylvester Israel Ebhonu, widely recognised for championing digital transformation in African libraries.
Ebhonu introduced participants to innovative tools such as the AI Librarian Mentor (Bibliomentor) and the AI Reference Librarian, both designed to support library professionals and users.
Recently honoured with the Dr. Victoria Okojie Award for Advocacy and Promotion of Library and Information Services, Ebhonu also facilitated breakout exercises where teams of librarians, systems analysts, and e-librarians discussed key issues in AI integration.
Their deliberations highlighted the need for policy frameworks, ethical guidelines, capacity building, and infrastructure investment to ensure AI enhances academic integrity rather than undermines it.
Other speakers, including Dr. Ogochukwu Emiri and Dr. Femi Joshua, also shared insights on how AI can be harnessed to expand access and improve library services.
The chairman of AULNU, Prof Angela Ebele Okpala, commended the collaborative effort, describing it as a milestone in repositioning Nigerian university libraries for the future.
