Nigerian Libraries ‘Losing Identity’ to Western Literature, NLA Warns
By Matthew Eloyi
The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has expressed concern over what it describes as an overwhelming dominance of western literature in public libraries across the country, warning that the trend is eroding Nigeria’s cultural identity.
NLA National President, Dr. Lawal Umar, raised the alarm on Monday during a virtual news conference marking the commencement of the 2025 Library Week. The week-long event, themed “Libraries and Cultural Heritage,” is aimed at drawing attention to the role of libraries in preserving the nation’s cultural memory.
Umar lamented that Nigerian libraries, which are supposed to serve as custodians of cultural heritage, are increasingly losing touch with their core mandate.
“Libraries by nature and design are cultural institutions, established essentially to preserve the culture of the people. Our morals, norms and customs are supposed to be documented and preserved in our libraries,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the major challenge our libraries are facing is that they are more tilted to western literature. Many people said that when they go to the public libraries, they discovered that majority of the books there are promoting western culture. There is disconnect, because our libraries are established to take care of our moral, culture, but these areas are being neglected,’’ he added.
He noted that Nigeria’s cultural heritage—including its languages, customs, religion, values, arts, crafts, and ancestral knowledge—forms the backbone of national pride, unity, and even economic growth. Without proper documentation and preservation, he warned, much of this heritage could vanish.
Umar emphasised that libraries at all levels must recommit to their responsibility of safeguarding manuscripts, archival materials, oral histories, and indigenous knowledge.
He said the 2025 theme was chosen to highlight the “irreplaceable role” of libraries in promoting and protecting the country’s cultural heritage. He urged state chapters of the association, academic institutions, public and school libraries, as well as special libraries to organise culturally themed activities throughout the week.
The NLA President also appealed to students, educators, researchers, private organisations, media houses, and government agencies to engage actively by visiting libraries, donating cultural materials, and reconnecting with the wealth of knowledge they hold.
“This year’s theme is trying to awaken the spirit of giving writings to portray our own culture. We want to see our manuscripts and arts address our issues and also address the perception of our communities,’’ he said.
Umar further expressed gratitude to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for what he described as her “passion and love” toward the completion of the National Library headquarters in Abuja.
