Tinubu approves funds to revive long abandoned national library
By Uji A. iliyasu, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening to revive the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria Headquarters Complex in Abuja, following the Federal Executive Council’s approval of additional funds for the completion and furnishing of the project.
Alausa said the President’s intervention had provided the leadership and resources required to bring the project, which has remained stalled for 18 years, back on track.
He described the development as another indication that Nigeria’s education sector was on a “glorious path” under the present administration.
Construction of the National Library Headquarters began on April 29, 2006, with an initial completion period of two years. However, work on the imposing structure in the heart of Abuja stopped in October 2008, leaving the project unfinished through successive administrations.
The minister said that upon assuming office, President Tinubu directed the mobilisation of resources to ensure the completion of 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,” Alausa said.
He also acknowledged the 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.
The minister said the initiative generated about ₦25 billion, which, combined with funds sourced from TETFund and other interventions, has strengthened the financial base for completing 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,” he said.
Alausa expressed optimism that full-scale construction work would resume in the coming months, describing the approval as a major milestone and an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the project.
He said completing the National Library was about much more than finishing an abandoned building, describing the facility as a national knowledge centre that would provide a lasting platform for learning, research, scholarship, information access and the preservation of Nigeria’s intellectual heritage.
He said the President’s intervention underscores the importance attached to completing critical education infrastructure, particularly projects that have remained unfinished for several years.
The minister thanked President Tinubu for moving the National Library from the status of an abandoned project towards completion and also commended the First Lady for her contribution to the initiative.
Alausa said the revival of the National Library was part of the broader progress being recorded in the education sector under the Tinubu administration.
“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 minister expressed confidence that the renewed momentum would lead to the completion and comprehensive furnishing of the National Library Headquarters, transforming the long-abandoned structure into a modern and functional national centre of knowledge for present and future generations.