The National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, has unveiled a performance scorecard of her first tenure in office, highlighting major digital transformation and institutional reforms, while outlining a roadmap for consolidating the gains in a second tenure.
Speaking during an interactive session with staff and members of the media on Wednesday 9th September 2027, Prof. Anunobi reviewed the institution's progress between September 7, 2021, when she assumed duty, and September 7, 2026 when her first tenure ended, describing the period as one marked by innovation, modernization, and stronger service delivery. Staff across the National Library's state branches also participated virtually.
At the heart of the achievements, she said, was the Library's digital transformation drive, which has expanded access to information and improved operational efficiency nationwide.
Among the flagship initiatives implemented during the period are the National Repository of Nigeria, the National Virtual Library, automated cataloguing and indexing tools, online ISBN and ISSN services, the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), e-Legal Deposit, and the Newspaper Locator.
According to her, these innovations have significantly strengthened the institution's capacity to deliver modern, accessible, and technology-driven library services.
However, Prof. Anunobi emphasized that the transformation extended beyond technology, saying her administration also invested in human capacity development, staff welfare, infrastructure improvements, and strategic partnerships to build a more responsive institution.
"When I look at the journey from 2021 to this fifth anniversary, I am convinced that the most important achievement is not any single platform, building, programme or number. It is the gradual emergence of a National Library that is more confident about its mandate, more willing to innovate, more connected to its users and increasingly conscious of its role in Nigeria's knowledge economy," she said.
Looking ahead, the National Librarian said the next phase of the institution's growth would focus on consolidation, institutionalization, and sustainability, with greater emphasis on strengthening existing platforms, measuring their long-term impact, and embedding new competencies across the organization.
She noted that the National Library must evolve from merely establishing platforms to ensuring they remain effective and sustainable over time.
Prof. Anunobi also called for the exploration of alternative and sustainable funding sources beyond annual government allocations, stressing that diversified support would be essential to preserving the progress already recorded.
Expressing appreciation to members of staff for their support during her first tenure, she urged them to remain focused on the work ahead.
"As we enter the next five years, let us not become complacent because of what we have achieved. Let us become more determined because of what remains to be achieved," she said.
In separate goodwill messages, staff members praised Prof. Anunobi's leadership, dedication, and commitment to repositioning the National Library of Nigeria.
Mrs. Taye Abenu, Assistant Director and Head of ISBN, said the institution had gained greater visibility and recognition under Prof. Anunobi's stewardship.
Staff from state branches, who joined the session virtually, also commended her contributions to the Library's growth and expressed confidence in the institution's future direction.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Collection Development and Technical Services, Mr. Abubakar Hambagda Husseni, congratulated the National Librarian on the milestones recorded during her first tenure and assured her of the continued commitment and cooperation of staff.
Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria in September 2021. President Tinubu reappointed her to a second and final tenure of five years beginning from Septemebr 8, 2026.