The federal government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to completing the National Library project, which has been long delayed but remains a critical part of the nation's educational infrastructure and cultural heritage. This pledge was reaffirmed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, including project contractors, consultants, the TETFund, the Ministry’s Procurement Department, and senior officials of the National Library of Nigeria.
During the meeting held on Wednesday, Minister Alausa described the National Library as more than just a building. He emphasized that once completed, it would stand as a symbol of hope, knowledge, and unity, representing a new era in education and intellectual development in Nigeria. He stated that the Tinubu administration is committed to making this vision a reality and is taking deliberate actions to fast-track the completion of the project, which has faced significant delays since its inception in 2009.
“Under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Nigeria Education, is working tirelessly to ensure the completion and commissioning of the National Library,” Alausa remarked. “This library is not just another infrastructure project; it is a critical space for millions of Nigerians who need a place to study, learn, and grow.”
The Minister highlighted the symbolic importance of the library, describing it as a beacon of hope and a unifying force for the country. He stated, “This Library will not just be a building. It will be a symbol of hope, knowledge, and unity, serving as a catalyst for a brighter future in education and intellectual empowerment for Nigerians.”
Acknowledging the long delays that have hindered the project’s progress, Minister Alausa expressed confidence in the current administration's commitment to overcoming these challenges. He explained that President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes education as a cornerstone for national development and sees the completion of the National Library as an integral part of this vision.
In addition to discussing the National Library project, the Minister also unveiled plans to reintroduce Nigerian history into the school curriculum, a move he described as pivotal to fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s heritage among young Nigerians. According to Minister Alausa, the reintroduction of Nigerian history will commence in 2025 across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. He noted that this initiative is in alignment with the administration's broader goals of promoting education and patriotism.
“As we reintroduce Nigerian history into the curriculum — set to launch in 2025 for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions — our Renewed Hope is that this Library will inspire a sense of pride in our heritage, provide a space for intellectual growth, and reignite patriotism among future generations,” he stated. Alausa emphasized that the library, alongside the revised history curriculum, would play a pivotal role in educating Nigerians about their past, thereby shaping a united and progressive future.
He further described the National Library as a testament to the government's commitment to providing high-quality education for all Nigerians. “This government’s vision is to create an environment where knowledge thrives, where every citizen has access to world-class educational facilities, and where our cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated. The National Library embodies this vision and serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,” Alausa added.
The Minister concluded by calling on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the timely completion of the project. He also urged Nigerians to embrace the library as a shared resource and a cornerstone of the country’s educational and cultural legacy. “The National Library represents a brighter, united Nigeria where education and knowledge are the foundation of our collective progress,” he said.
