With the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approval of the augmentation of the contract for the completion and full furnishing of the National Library of Nigeria Headquarters Complex in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the latest development.
Noting that it will end the 18 years of the Library complex abandonment, he said that President Tinubu’s decisive intervention has put the nation’s education sector “on a glorious path.”
Speaking through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Dr. Alausa said construction of the National Library Headquarters commenced on 29 April 2006 with a two-year completion timeline.
Work, he noted stopped in October 2008, leaving the imposing structure unfinished through successive administrations.
“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.
Dr. Alausa also acknowledged the contribution of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who directed that gifts received during her birthday celebration be channelled to the project.
According to him, the initiative generated about ₦25 billion. Combined with funds sourced from TETFund and other efforts, the money has strengthened the financial base for the completion.
“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,” Dr. Alausa said.
He expressed optimism that construction work would resume fully in the coming months.
For the Education Minister, completing the library is about building a national knowledge centre.
“Completing the National Library is about much more than finishing a building. The facility will provide a lasting platform for learning, research, scholarship, information access and the preservation of Nigeria’s intellectual heritage,” he stated.
Dr. Alausa said the President’s action reflects the importance attached to completing critical education infrastructure abandoned for years.
“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.
He also commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support, adding that the revival of the library is part of broader progress in the education sector under the Tinubu administration.
The Minister expressed confidence that the renewed momentum would lead to the eventual completion and furnishing of the headquarters, transforming the long-abandoned structure into a functional national centre of knowledge for present and future generations.