The Federal Government, under the guidance of the National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, has announced plans to revive “library hours” in schools, with the aim of fostering a stronger reading culture among students.
According to The PUNCH, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi revealed this initiative during a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday as part of her report on her two-year tenure as the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library, a position she assumed in September 2021.
She further mentioned that a formal proposal has been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Education, advocating for the integration of a reading culture policy into the education system.
She did, however, mention that the National Library requires additional legal support to carry out its mandate.
Anunobi said, “The Act establishing the National Library mandates it only to give advice on library development to any agency of the federation or state that calls on her, thereby denying her the power to supervise or direct on library development or use.
“This hinders the capacity of the National Library to ensure that school libraries are functional. However, within this period, branches are directed to visit schools and sensitise them to the need for library use and reading by students.
“It is saddening to note that library hours are no longer implemented in many schools. To this end, efforts are being made to resuscitate implementation of library hours in schools.”
