The National Library of Nigeria, on Thursday, 24 September 2026, officially launched the National Library of Nigeria Endowment Foundation at the TETFund Auditorium, Abuja.
The event brought together government officials, academics, private-sector representatives, philanthropists and other stakeholders to promote sustainable investment in Nigeria’s library and knowledge infrastructure.
In her welcome remarks, the National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of the NLN and Chairperson of the NLNEF, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, said the Foundation was established to address the urgent need for sustainable funding to preserve Nigeria’s documentary heritage. She noted that inadequate funding, ageing infrastructure, the rising cost of digitization and increasing demand for information services made it necessary to complement government efforts through philanthropy and strategic partnerships.
Prof. Anunobi recalled the historical contribution of the Ford Foundation to the establishment of the National Library of Nigeria in the early 1960s, noting that the NLNEF seeks to continue this tradition by mobilizing collective support for the institution’s 35-branch network, infrastructure, ICT development and the sustainability of the National Library Headquarters in Abuja.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, The Executive Governor of Abia State, described libraries as vital institutions for preserving a nation’s memory and supporting education, innovation and development.
The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Ugo Okoroafor stressed that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and digital technologies had made digitization and preservation of Nigeria’s intellectual heritage increasingly important, while calling for stronger partnerships among government, the private sector, academia and philanthropists.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Functional Library as Key to Securing the Future of Knowledge and Springboard for Technological Advancement,” the President of the African University of Science and Technology, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, described libraries as critical infrastructure for research, innovation and technological advancement.
He urged libraries to evolve from traditional repositories into active knowledge centres providing digital resources, research support, information and AI literacy, while emphasizing the need for continuous investment in library professionals, technology and research infrastructure.
A video presentation on the NLNEF flagship project and the Chinese library development case study was also featured.
The launch witnessed significant financial commitments, with the Chief Launcher, Alhaji Alhassan Danatata, donating ₦25 million in support of the National Library of Nigeria and assuring continued efforts to attract further donations. Chief Olanrewaju Adesuyi, Chairman of Havilah Group, also donated ₦50 million, while other dignitaries and stakeholders made additional commitments.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Mr. Chijioke James, a representative of Sir Emeka Ofor Foundation, and Mr. Salihu Bello of Standard Biblio Services Ltd.
In his vote of thanks, by Mr. Emeka Aniagolu, The Chief Executive Officer, Midpoint Innovation Ltd., appreciated the dignitaries, partners, donors and stakeholders for their support towards the successful launch of the Foundation.
It will be recalled that the National Library of Nigeria in April 2025 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Midpoint Innovation Limited to midwife and nurture the National Library of Nigeria Endowment Foundation. The Launch of the National Library of Nigeria Endowment Foundation is the culmination of the work that has been on, since then.