Friday Lines (48) With:

Dr Abubakar Alkali

22/2/25

The so-called presidential library is a huge waste of resources. It is a big misplacement of priorities.

It would have been more rewarding to his community if former military President Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) had built one fully equipped skills acquisition centre in each of the 25 local government areas in Niger state which he can name after himself instead of building a so-called library.

Through the skills acquisition centre, young people can acquire hands-on skills and set up small businesses to achieve self-reliance.
That will be a better legacy than building a so-called library.

A physical library is not a legacy because it is not required in this digital era.
Which areas of research?

Who will use the library?
Is it just a symbol for meetings to discuss government policies and programmes? If so, please rename it. IBB CONFERENCE CENTRE, not a library.

These former presidents building the so-called presidential libraries do not know that today is the digital era driven by E-library. You don’t need to erect a massive building as ‘library.

In fact, through the concept of E-library, all you need is a smartphone where you can download necessary applications and access any materials you want to.

Nigerian leaders do not really understand how to build a nation. Presidential libraries are nowhere near nation-building. Only factories, skills acquisition centres, and jobs can develop a nation.