Following the devastating fire outbreak at the Kano State Polytechnic Library, the President of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Dr. Lawal Umar, FNLA, led a delegation alongside Kano State Chapter executives on an on-the-spot assessment visit, where they were received by the institution's Registrar, Polytechnic Librarian, and other officials.
The unfortunate incident reportedly destroyed newly acquired books and other valuable intellectual resources worth over ₦100 million which were yet to be processed into the library collections. The fire also consumed equipment, facilities, and several academic information resources painstakingly acquired over the years to support teaching, learning, research, and knowledge development within the institution.
Speaking during the visit, the NLA President expressed deep sympathy with the Management, staff, students, and the entire Polytechnic community over the tragic incident, describing it as “a monumental loss to scholarship, learning, and national intellectual heritage.”
According to him, “this unfortunate incident is not only a great loss to Kano State Polytechnic, but also a painful setback to the library and educational community in Nigeria,” noting that libraries remain central to academic excellence, innovation, and national development.
He further commended the courage and resilience of the Management and staff of the Polytechnic in the face of the tragedy and prayed for strength, wisdom, and the necessary support for the institution to rebuild an even stronger and more modern library facility. The President also used the opportunity to encourage collective support and professional solidarity towards the restoration and revitalisation of the Library.
As part of ongoing efforts to support the institution, the NLA President also conveyed the donation of selected information resources by the Admiralty University of Nigeria Library, Ibusa. He further used the opportunity to encourage professional colleagues, institutions, stakeholders, and well-meaning individuals to support ongoing efforts towards rebuilding and strengthening the Library after the devastating incident.
The Association also assured the institution of its continued solidarity, prayers, and support during this difficult period while calling for collective efforts towards restoring the affected Library for the benefit of students, researchers, and the academic community.
