Nigerian libraries losing identity as books promote Western culture, NLA laments
The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has raised the alarm that public libraries in the country are more tilted towards Western literature, with the majority of the books promoting Western culture.
The association’s national president, Lawal Umar, stated this on Monday during a virtual news conference to mark the commencement of the 2025 Library Week, themed “Libraries and Cultural Heritage.”
Mr Umar observed that, being the most powerful institution for preserving cultural heritage, libraries are, unfortunately, losing their identity in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, the major challenge our libraries are facing is that they are more tilted to Western literature,” he said. “Many people said that when they go to the public libraries, they discover that the majority of the books there are promoting Western culture.”
“There is a disconnect, because our libraries are established to take care of our morals and culture, but these areas are being neglected,’’ he said.
He, therefore, urged the citizens and institutions to support the efforts of the NLA in preserving the nation’s identity.
Mr Umar explained that Nigeria’s cultural heritage, including its languages, customs, religion, values, arts, crafts, and ancestral knowledge, forms the backbone of national pride, unity, and economic advancement.
He said the 2025 theme was chosen to spotlight the irreplaceable role of libraries in preserving and promoting the country’s cultural memory.
Mr Umar urged state chapters of the association, academic institutions, public libraries, school libraries, and special libraries to organise culturally themed activities during the Library Week.
The NLA national president also appealed to students, educators, researchers, private organisations, media houses, and government agencies to engage actively by visiting libraries, donating cultural materials, and reconnecting with the knowledge preserved within the institutions.
He thanked First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her passion and love demonstrated toward the completion of the National Library Headquarters in Abuja.
(NAN)
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