The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said work will resume on the National Library of Nigeria Headquarters Complex in Abuja after 18 years of abandonment, following the Federal Executive Council’s approval of additional funds for its completion and furnishing.
Alausa who disclosed this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive intervention in the revival of the complex.
Speaking on the approval, Alausa said the President’s intervention had provided the needed leadership and resources to revive a project that had stalled since 2008, describing the development as another indication that Nigeria’s education sector is on a glorious path.
The minister explained that construction of the National Library Headquarters commenced on April 29, 2006, with an initial completion period of two years. However, work stopped in October 2008, leaving the imposing structure in the heart of Abuja unfinished through successive administrations.
Alausa said President Tinubu, upon assuming office, directed that the necessary resources be mobilised to complete the project, including funding support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
“President Bola Tinubu, when he came in, mandated that we look for funds, real funds, that we use in completing this National Library. He directed that we source funds from Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and we’ve cobbled some funds together,” the minister said.
He also acknowledged the significant intervention of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who directed that gifts received during her birthday celebration be channelled towards the completion of the National Library.
According to the minister, the initiative generated about N25bn, which, together with funds sourced through TETFund and other efforts, has helped strengthen the financial base for the completion of the project.
“Combined with the money we’ve sourced from TETFund, the Council today approved the augmentation of the existing contract for the completion of the construction of the National Library of Nigeria Headquarters Building Complex in Abuja,” Alausa said.
The minister expressed optimism that construction work would resume fully in the coming months, describing the development as a significant milestone for the education sector and a welcome end to years of uncertainty surrounding the project.
The minister added that completing the National Library more than finishing a building, describing the facility as a national knowledge centre that will provide a lasting platform for learning, research, scholarship, information access and the preservation of Nigeria’s intellectual heritage.
Alausa said the President’s intervention reflects the importance attached to completing critical education infrastructure, particularly projects that have remained unfinished for many years.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the support that has helped move the National Library from an abandoned project towards completion, while also commending Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her contribution to the initiative.
Alausa said the revival of the National Library is part of the broader progress being recorded in the education sector under President Tinubu, adding that the completion of the project would provide Nigerians with a modern national institution worthy of its purpose.
“Abandoned National Library for 18 years, President Bola Tinubu has now been able to mobilise funds, cobbled funds together, for work to go back, to start again at the National Library. We thank you, Mr. President,” he said.
(The Whistler)
