UNIZIK librarian seeks certificate withdrawal of schools without libraries

The University Librarian at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Dr Stella Ngozi Anasi, has called for closure of secondary schools without functional libraries in order to encourage establishment of libraries in such schools.

She insisted that secondary schools without a functional school library should not be given a certificate to operate.

Anasi made the call in a chat with newsmen shortly after she led her library’s outreach to schools in the state where it donated books to promote learning through reading in line with UNESCO’s World Book Day.

She said the move would compel school proprietors in the state to understand the need to build libraries to promote independent learning and literacy of the Nigerian child.

While regretting absence of functional libraries in secondary schools in the state, the varsity librarian decried that where libraries existed, most of them were in terrible state with obsolete materials. 

She said, “Despite the huge gains of libraries to students, most school proprietors have not deemed it fit to build a well equipped library to enable their students to develop good reading habits and independent learning from a tender age. 

“Most primary and secondary schools in Anambra state do not have functional school libraries. The ones that have are not well equipped. 

“Secondary school is a place to catch them young. It is the best place to inculcate the culture of reading and independent learning to every child. If they imbibe the culture at an early stage, it will help them to succeed in life.”

Anasi reminded that any school that does not have a functional library is offering half education, adding that learning does not end at consuming teachers’ notebooks and passing examinations but extends to independent effort to acquire knowledge. 

She said education is supposed to mold students both in character and learning and explained further that it is only when a child reads that his character is modified to become a better individual in the society. 

“Self-learning remains crucial to every child’s development. Without libraries, students do not have the opportunity to discover things themselves,” she added.

The university librarian who regretted that reading culture among youths had declined due to non exposure to books, noted that the effect has been the reliance on sorting and other malpractices to pass their examinations.

She added that the danger has been the production of half-baked graduates who she said end up contributing nothing to societal development. 

She echoed the need to redirect the student back to the library, insisting that both the state and federal governments should not only invest in libraries but ensure that establishment of school libraries is made a priority in public and private schools.

Anasi also advocated for the creation of library hours in primary and post primary schools to enable students to read books for their all round growth and development.