By Mustafa Abubakar
Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals have emphasised the critical need for Nigerian libraries to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI), to promote open access, and enhance community-centered services to remain relevant in the digital age.
The call was the focal point of a workshop organised penultimate Thursday (June 5,2025) by the National Association of Library and Information Science Students (NALISS), University of Ilorin Chapter, during its 2025 Annual Week celebration.
Themed “Transition of Library and Information Science in the Digital Era: Opportunity and Technological Integration”, the event assembled LIS experts, academics, and students to explore the future of library practice in an increasingly digital world.
In his keynote address, Dr Muhammad Jamiu of the University of Ilorin underscored the necessity of digital transformation in Nigerian libraries.
He said, “Libraries can no longer survive on shelving and circulation alone. There is a need for predictive search algorithms, AI-powered indexing, and enhanced data management tools to meet the expectations of digital users.”
Also speaking, Ms Ogunlade, Head of Digital Services at the National Library of Nigeria, called for robust open-access policies and platforms.
According to her, “No Nigerian researcher should be locked out of knowledge because of paywalls. Institutions must strengthen repositories and rethink journal subscription models.”
In their remarks, Mr Abdulakeem Sodeeq Sulyman and other invited speakers who discussed current trends and challenges in information access and digital integration, streesed that librarians must become field agents of literacy.
“Your community is not limited to the reading room. There must be mobile outreach, literacy campaigns, and tech-driven community services”, they said.
Earlier, the Association had donated books and engaged in literacy outreach at Fate Tanke Secondary School.
The initiative provided learning materials and engaged students in reading sessions, reflecting LIS’s broader societal role.
The Week was also celebrated with a cultural excursion to the National Museum in Ilorin where the students explored Nigeria’s rich historical heritage.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, NALISS President, Hudhayfah Nasrudeen, expressed appreciation to all contributors and reiterated the need for forward-thinking investment in LIS.
“Without AI integration, open access, and outreach-driven services, Nigeria’s LIS sector will lag behind global standards,” he said.
