AULNU Charts Roadmap for Responsible AI in Nigerian Academic Libraries

The 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 from 22nd – 26th of September, 2025 at the Committee of Vice Chancellors Secretariat, Abuja, in collaboration with the Nigerian University Libraries Consortium (NULIB), university 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, a Digital Transformation Leader and faculty Librarian at Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa 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.

The special guest, Prof. Andrew Haruna (Secretary General, CVCNU) and other speakers including Dr. Ogochukwu T. Emiri and Dr. Femi Joshua, also shared insights on how AI can be harnessed to expand access and improve library services.

Chairman of AULNU, Prof. Angela Ebele Okpala commended the collaborative effort, charging University Librarians present to take necessary actions, working with their Vice Chancellors to implement the insights gained from the workshop

“The era of smart libraries is here, and Nigerian University Librarians are ready to lead responsibly,” one participant remarked.

The resolutions of the meeting, according to AULNU, represent a strategic roadmap to ensure Nigerian academic libraries remain at the forefront of knowledge development while adopting emerging technologies responsibly.