Experts Warn Nigeria May Lose Cultural Identity Without Stronger Libraries and Archives

edutvnigeria

25/11/25 • 21 Visualizações • 0 Compartilhar • Publicado em Outro

Librarians and information-management experts have raised fresh concerns that Nigeria could lose critical parts of its cultural identity if libraries, archives and other heritage institutions are not ..

This warning set the tone for discussions at the 2025 Library Week organised by the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Lagos State Chapter, held from November 17 to 21.

Speaking on the theme “Libraries and Archives as Gateways to Intangible Cultural Heritage,” the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Cabinet Office, Mrs. Toyin Ogunlana, said that even in a digital age dominated by smart tools and artificial intelligence, libraries and archives remain irreplaceable as custodians of a nation’s memory.

Ogunlana, who also oversees the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), emphasised that cultural practices, oral traditions, indigenous knowledge and community histories thrive only when properly documented and supported by modern technology.

“The importance of libraries, records centres and archives in preserving heritage through documentation, digital solutions, capacity building and inter-agency collaboration cannot be overemphasised,” she said. “Institutions must intentionally record and protect cultural narratives to ensure their transmission to future generations.
We must embrace the trends of technology and incorporate digitisation into conventional library and archival practices.”

The seminar, hosted by LASRAB, drew librarians, archivists, scholars and cultural-heritage experts who examined the growing invisibility of traditional knowledge and the urgent need for stronger collaboration across heritage-preservation institutions.

Chairperson of NLA Lagos, Mrs. Aisha Askira, commended LASRAB for granting participants access to its facilities, including its photo gallery, newspaper morgue and library. She also urged families to promote cultural heritage at home by preserving indigenous foods, attire and languages.

A panel session further emphasised the importance of community engagement, documentation strategies and the evolving role of librarians in preventing the erosion of local customs and traditions. Goodwill messages from university librarians and former NLA officials called for improved access to heritage materials and greater visibility for library services across Lagos.

On Day 3, Dr. Ekeh Motunrayo of Lagos State University delivered a lecture titled “Librarianship in a Multicultural Society.” She noted that globalisation, migration and digital connectivity have created increasingly diverse communities, making it essential for libraries to develop multilingual collections, culturally responsive services and digital tools that reflect users’ identities.

Referencing Nigeria’s more than 250 ethnic groups, she said libraries are among the few public spaces capable of promoting unity, cultural diversity and continuity of traditional knowledge.

“Cultural diversity is now a defining characteristic of modern communities,” she said. “Libraries, as democratic and inclusive institutions, must adapt their services to meet the needs of multicultural populations.”

Participants also shared practical experiences on serving diverse communities, after which Dr. Motunrayo received a plaque from the NLA Chairperson in recognition of her contribution.

The programme continues with a cultural-heritage tour of Badagry.

Information professionals at the event agreed that despite the rapid advance of technology, libraries remain essential in ensuring that Nigeria does not lose its cultural memory amid its drive toward a digital future. Askira reaffirmed that librarians will continue to embrace innovation, digitisation and community engagement in archiving the nation’s story.

Download our Mobile App for easy access
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en

Mobile App Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvng.lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en