NLA Urges Gov Sani To Halt Relocation Of Kaduna Library Board Headquarters

The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has urged Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani to immediately halt the proposed relocation of the Kaduna State Library Board’s headquarters from the Kaduna metropolis to Zaria.

The association, while commending the governor’s leadership, condemned the reported decision to hand over the historic library building to the Kaduna State Judiciary, describing the move as reckless, ill-conceived and detrimental to the state’s educational development.

It urged the governor to reverse the decision and provide alternative accommodation for the judiciary without displacing the historic library.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Lawal Umar, and Secretary, Dr Amogu Uma Kalu, the NLA, in Abuja, today expressed concern over the reported handover of the building to the judiciary via a government memorandum circulating on social media.

The association described the building as more than an administrative office, noting that it was a historic monument that had served generations of citizens and symbolised Kaduna State’s intellectual and cultural heritage since before Nigeria’s independence.

It warned that displacing the institution without clear and publicly communicated justification would undermine an important part of the state’s educational identity.

The NLA stressed that public libraries were indispensable to education, research, lifelong learning, civic enlightenment, good governance and democratic development, adding that they should not be treated as dispensable public facilities.

According to the association, public libraries provide equitable access to information, support formal and informal education, promote reading culture, empower young people, facilitate research and preserve indigenous knowledge.

It further noted that libraries contribute to the administration of justice by fostering legal literacy and providing access to legal information, enabling citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Questioning the rationale behind the proposed relocation, the association asked whether there were compelling administrative or developmental considerations to justify moving the headquarters from Kaduna metropolis.

It also questioned why the government could not provide another suitable facility or construct a befitting building for the judiciary within Kaduna metropolis rather than displacing an institution whose services were equally critical.

“Does the government consider the Judiciary more important than public library services? Should the importance of one institution be elevated by displacing another institution whose services are equally fundamental to the development and well-being of society?” the association asked.

The NLA maintained that both the judiciary and public libraries were indispensable, stressing that the advancement of justice must not come at the expense of citizens’ access to education, information and knowledge.
It warned that relocating the headquarters to Zaria could create administrative difficulties, weaken the institution’s visibility and compromise access to library services, particularly in the absence of adequate infrastructure, resources and a comprehensive service-delivery plan.

Consequently, the association urged the state government to immediately suspend the reported relocation and handover, reverse the decision to transfer the historic headquarters to the judiciary and engage relevant stakeholders, including librarians, educationists and the NLA, in constructive dialogue.

It also called for alternative accommodation for the judiciary and urged the government to prioritise the revitalisation, funding, modernisation and expansion of public library services across the state.

The association observed that governments worldwide were strengthening public library systems to promote literacy, digital inclusion, research, innovation and knowledge-based economies, and warned that Kaduna State should not take steps that could diminish its public library system.

It further called on political leaders, serving and former public office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, professional associations and other stakeholders to intervene in defence of the institution.

Describing the matter as a collective responsibility that goes beyond professional interests, the NLA said preserving the Library Board was necessary to protect Kaduna State’s educational heritage and intellectual future.

It appealed to Governor Uba Sani to urgently reconsider the decision in the overriding public interest and demonstrate his administration’s commitment to education, knowledge development, cultural preservation and inclusive governance.

“A government that values justice must equally value knowledge, because justice without an informed citizenry cannot be fully realised,” the association stated.