The National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica, who led her delegation to the Katsina State Government House yesterday, has commended Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, for successfully hosting the 9th National Library Conference—making Katsina the second state in the North to host the event after Bauchi.
Professor Veronica described the Katsina edition as one of the best so far, noting its smooth organization and impressive participation.
During an appreciation visit to Government House, Katsina, she praised Governor Radda for his dedication to strengthening libraries across the state. She highlighted his approval to remodel the Katsina State Library Headquarters, the ongoing renovation of library branches in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua, as well as the completed upgrade in Dutsinma. She further revealed that all seven local government libraries—including those in Mani, Kankia, and Malumfashi—are also set for refurbishment.
The National Librarian also applauded the Governor’s decision to reclaim the State Library Headquarters from non-governmental organizations that had been occupying the facility. She described the move as a step toward restoring the library to its original academic and community purpose, ensuring easier access for residents, preserving it as a research hub, and safeguarding its historical value in the heart of Katsina.
Professor Veronica further lauded Governor Radda’s broader investments in education, including the recruitment of students into the three newly established special schools across the state. She said these initiatives reflect his resolve to provide inclusive educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their background.
She also called for stronger collaboration between the state government and the National Library to promote literacy and rekindle the reading culture—not only in Katsina but across Nigeria. According to her, libraries remain vital to nation-building, as access to quality books and research materials equips young people with the knowledge and creativity needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
Responding, Governor Radda thanked the National Library for choosing Katsina as the second state in the North to host the 9th annual conference. He reiterated his administration’s focus on reviving the reading culture, upgrading libraries, and supporting research.
He recalled recent interventions in the education sector, including the distribution of 25,000 copies each of Mathematics, Computer Science, and English textbooks to Basic 4–6 pupils; the procurement of 18 buses for project coordination; and the supply of special needs equipment to the School for the Blind.
Governor Radda further revealed that the State Executive Council has approved the purchase of 156,566 textbooks for 578 junior and senior secondary schools, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to quality and inclusive education across Katsina State.
He, however, noted that the rise of ICT and the increasing dependence on mobile phones have eroded the traditional reading culture. Many students—and even teachers—now rely heavily on the internet for academic work, often at the expense of deeper research.
The Governor also cautioned against the unchecked use of modern application tools in education, noting that while they are convenient for preparing speeches and assignments, they risk undermining creativity and meaningful academic development.
