State Libraries Now Museums-NASU

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has decried the

deplorable state of some state libraries across the nation, saying that most of them have been turned into museums for ancient books.

The Union which consists of international and Nigerian examination bodies and library employees made this known in Bauchi on Tuesday during their meeting.

 The National Deputy President of the union, Comrade Obabunmi Sunday,who disclosed this in Bauchi, said ancient books now dominate the facilities in the country.

“The deplorable conditions of our libraries in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised, especially in the state owned libraries across the Nation. Most of them have been turned into a museum where ancient books and educational materials are kept for records purposes.Moreso, the buildings and the other facilities in the library boards are grossly dilapidated and not conducive for effective learning and research” he said

He lamented that the development has not encouraged students to make use of the libraries, adding that the lack of modern editions of books, computers and software programmes in the libraries could not advance the e-learning process which is the acceptable standard in other countries of the world.

“No nation can advance in this era of globalization which also affects modern technologies without investing on the research and reading culture of the children, acknowledging the fact that a child education is a long term investment for the nation.

“As stakeholders, we have continuously appealed to the Federal and State governments to see the need to rehabilitate and equip the national and state libraries and we hope that our plea will see the light of the day even in the prevailing situations of this present government” he added

Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the Union, Alh. Abdullahi Tafida Bello commended the Bauchi State Government for rectifying the issues of omission of the salaries of the rank and file membership of NASU. He, however, urged the state to implement leave grant, promotion and payment of omitted salaries to the affected workers.

Representatives of West African Examination Council, National Examination Council, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, National Business and Technical Examination Board and other related trade unions were in attendance at the event that was held at the Bauchi State Library.