Nigeria, Qatar National Libraries Partner On Knowledge Advancement

The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) and the Qatar National Library (QNL) have signed a partnership agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in knowledge exchange, research, digital transformation, cultural heritage preservation and professional development.

The agreement was signed recently on the sidelines of the 99th World Library and Information Congress (IFLA WLIC 2026) in Busan, South Korea, by the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the NLN, Prof Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, and the Executive Director of QNL, Huism Tan.

According to a press statement by the assistant director, Information and Public Relations of the National Library of Nigeria, Vershima Orvell-Dio, the ceremony was witnessed by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Prof Nora Ladi Daduut, as both institutions formalised a framework for collaboration in scientific, technical and cultural fields.

Under the agreement, the two national libraries will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, educational and research materials, publications and professional expertise, while promoting joint content development, cultural exchanges, collaborative programmes and public engagement initiatives.

Speaking after the signing, Prof Anunobi said the partnership was a significant milestone in expanding Nigeria’s knowledge and cultural diplomacy beyond Africa, saying it would create a bridge between West Africa and the Middle East.

She said the collaboration would enable both regions to share expertise, innovations and best practices in library and information services, while strengthening efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.

According to her, the partnership will cover areas including digital transformation, preservation and conservation, electronic resources, digital repositories, automation, smart library systems and public library services.

She also said that the agreement followed engagements that began with the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the Qatar National Library in October 2025, followed by a visit by the National Library of Nigeria to Qatar earlier in 2026 at the instance of the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa.

The National Librarian added that the engagements provided an opportunity for both institutions to move from discussions to concrete technical collaboration, particularly in digital services, preservation, staff training and innovative technologies.

“In pursuit of this objective, the National Library has continued to build strategic partnerships with institutions in Nigeria and abroad, including the National Library of Bulgaria, to strengthen its digital transformation, preservation, professional capacity and international engagement.

“The partnership is expected to boost capacity building, professional development and digital preservation, while helping valuable Nigerian documentary and cultural heritage reach wider audiences,” she said.