AULNU Meetings & Host Institutions

AULNU MEETINGS/ HOST INSTITUTIONS AND SELECTED COMMUNIQUÉS

AULNU Meetings/ Host Institutions

S/N	Year	April/ May	November
1	1993	Abia State University, Uturu	Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2	1994	Bayero University, Kano	Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma
3	1995	Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu	Federal University of Technology, Akure
4	1996	Federal University of Technology, Minna	Federal University of Technology, Owerri
5	1997	Fed. University of Technology, Yola	Imo State University, Owerri
6	1998	Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Port-Harcourt	Lagos State University, Ojo
7	1999	University of Jos, Jos	Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka
8	2001	University of Agriculture, Abeokuta	Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
9	2002	Benue State University, Makurdi	University of Calabar
10	2003	No Meeting	Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
11	2004	University of llorin	University of Nigeria, Nsukka
12	2005	University of Maiduguri	Usmanu Danfodiyo Univ., Sokoto
13	2006	NUC, Abuja	Nasarawa State University, Keffi
14	2007	University of Ibadan	No Meeting
15	2008	University of Abuja	No Meeting
16	2009	University of Calabar	No Meeting
17	2010	Cross River State University of Science and Technology, Calabar	No Meeting
18	2011	Anambra State University, Uli	Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu
19	2012	No Meeting	University of Uyo
20	2013	No Meeting	University of Agriculture, Makurdi
21	2014	University of Lagos, Akoka	University of Port Harcourt
22	2015	University of Benin	Covenant University, Ota
23	2016	American University of Nigeria, Yola	North- West University, Kano
24	2017	African University of Science & Technology, Galadimawa, Abuja	No Meeting
25	2018	Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State	No Meeting
26	2019	NUC, Abuja	Education Resource Centre, Abuja
27	2020	No Meeting	Education Resource Centre, Abuja
28	2021	No Meeting	NUC, Abuja
29	2022	Nigerian National Merit Award, Abuja	NUC, Abuja

Selected Communiqués

At the end of its meeting, AULNU usually issues or releases a communiqué containing its major deliberations/resolutions for the consumption of all members (present and those unavoidably absent) and other stakeholders such as Government, Ministry of Education. NUC, TETFund, Association of Vice-Chancellors and the general public. Excepts of some of the recent communiques are presented below with a view to understanding the significance of such meetings.

The 94^th Meeting at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi

The 94^th Bi-annual meeting of the Committee of University Librarians of Nigerian University (CULNU) was held on 4^th November, 2013 at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. The meeting featured a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, opening ceremony, paper presentation and deliberation on various issues concerning the development of Nigerian university libraries. At the end of the deliberation, the following communique was issued.

That despite the emergent digital age, Nigerian university libraries will continue to play a crucial role in the attainment of the overall educational objectives of their parent institutions.
The emerging information technologies have brought about some profound changes and challenges in the management and provision of services in Nigerian university libraries.
In view of the enormous challenges confronting Nigerian university libraries, adequate funding is necessary, especially for the provision of 1CT infrastructure, current print and electronic resources/databases, digitization, automation, equipment/ facilities, and other essential services.
Consequently, the Committee called on the NUC to ensure full implementation of the 10% Library Development Policy in Nigerian universities.
The Committee commended the intervention of TETFund and its positive impact on the development of Nigerian university libraries over the years. However, in consideration of the capital intensive nature of university libraries as well as their central role in teaching, learning and research, the Committee appealed to the TETFund for an upward review of the annual allocation to university libraries with effect from 2014.
Regular ICT training and re-training for library staff should be intensified with a view to ensuring a more efficient discharge of their professional duties. Furthermore, seminars, workshops, conferences and short/long term study programmes both locally and internationally should be strongly encouraged.
The Nigerian University Libraries Consortium (NULIB) should be strongly supported so as to have a collective bargaining power for subscription to electronic resources/databases and other library cooperative arrangements for the mutual benefit of Nigerian universities.
The Committee observed with concern the failure of some university libraries to pay their mandatory annual membership dues as well as. poor attendance to its Bi-annual meetings and the annual workshops/ seminars of the Academic and Research Libraries. To this end, CULNU urged all heads of institution to continue to encourage, support and also sponsor their librarians for these and other vital functions, so as to ensure the realization of the Committee’s laudable objectives.
There is the need for a robust CULNU/NULIB website so as to facilitate effective communication and exchange of ideas among members.
Sequel to the recent implementation of the new policy of a single five-year term for University Librarians, CULNU urged Government to, as a matter of urgency, introduce a special salary and severance allowance package for substantive University Librarians.
Finally, the Committee expressed its sincere appreciation to the Management of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi for hosting the meeting.

Dr. (Mrs.) E.I. Ifidon Dr. A.A. Balarabe

(Chairperson, CULNU Communique Committee) (Chairman)

The 96^th Meeting at University of Port Harcourt

The 96th Bi-annual meeting of the Committee of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (CULNU) was held from November 2^nd – 4^th, 2014 at the Ebitimi Banigo Auditorium of the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Having deliberated on the current state of university libraries in Nigeria, CULNU resolved as follows:

Taking cognizance of the potentials of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the present information society, training of library staff will be a priority for efficient and effective library service delivery.
University Librarians should play key roles in accessing information and developing intellectual property policies for universities especially as we move to the era of open access.
The Committee notes the non-implementation of Library Development Fund (LDF) policy in universities and urged all university administrators to make this facility available to university libraries.
The Federal Government is commended on the suspension of the implementation of the 62.5% tariff on imported books. CULNU calls on the Federal Government to eliminate it permanently and avoid taxing academic resources in the future.
CULNU commends the upward review of TETFund allocation to Federal and State university libraries.

Prof. Innocent I. Ekoja Dr. Stephen A. Akintunde

(Chairman, CULNU Communique Committee) (Chairman)

The 98^th Meeting at Covenant University, Ota

It should be noted that it was at the 98th meeting that the word “Committee” was changed to “Association”. The Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU). comprising all Federal, State and Private Universities met at the African Leadership Development Centre (ALDC) of the Covenant University, Ota. Ogun State, Nigeria to discuss matters of interest to members at the 98^th Bi-annual meeting between 1^st – 4^th November, 2015. After a careful and exhaustive deliberation of various issues, the following resolutions were taken:

The meeting discussed and affirmed that University libraries had a critical role to play in knowledge management and sustainable governance in the Nigerian nation using all available mechanisms such as information and knowledge management, promotion of life-long learning, cognizance the technology driven global environment.
The meeting considered the relevant presentations and made a firm call for a total re-engineering of library services via global trends in information service provision, which include the creation of learning space and research commons among others.
Upon the consideration of the relevant submissions and thought provoking issues which had been subject of discussion of AULNU were highlighted and the following were agreed upon.
On the consideration of severance allowance for university librarians upon the completion of their tenure, it was resolved that AULNU should continue to work together with their sister associations such as the Association of Bursars and Association of Registrars of Nigeria Universities in the pursuit of the matter with the National Universities Commission and Minister of Education. AULNU members were also enjoined to take up the matter with various respective university councils.
Concerning TETfund intervention, it was noted that the law had not catered for private universities. Proprietors of private universities were therefore advised to seek for political solutions through the amendment of the relevant Act.
Career Structure for Librarians: Suggestions on the document on Career Structure would be taken into consideration and an updated version would be processed and submitted to Vice-Chancellors.
AULNU considered critically the issue of reverting back to previous position after the expiration of University Librarians tenure and resolved that the matter should be further deliberated upon and appropriate recommendations be forwarded to relevant organs.
AULNU is of the opinion that its input into negotiation of Elsevier databases should be factored in the Association of Vice-Chancellors’ negotiation with Elsevier.
Nigerian Universities Library Consortium (NULIB) was repositioned as a recognized and viable arm of AULNU to handle its databases subscription issues.
The meeting unanimously agreed that the name of the body which was known as CULNU now to be known as AULNU.

Dr. (Mrs.) Olukemi A. Fadehan Dr. Ezra Shiloba Gbaje

(Chairperson, CULNU Communique Committee) (Secretary)

The 99^th Meeting at American University of Nigeria, Yola

Resolutions of the 99th Bi-annual meeting of theAULNU held at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State from 22nd – 25th May, 2016. The meeting deliberated on a number of issues concerning the Association. The meeting had two components:

That on the request of the former Secretary, the Association conducted an election for a new Secretary. The elected Secretary was Dr. A.M. Bello, University Librarian Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
That individual member should make their demands to their University Governing Councils, and that the EXCO members should liaise with their counterpart Association in the University system.
That the meeting adopted the document on Career Progression for Librarians and Para-Professional Library Staff subject to all corrections pointed out.
That NULIB report was presented and the issues raised extensively deliberated upon.
That having considered the current environmental challenges and logistics, it was resolved to defer the investment matter until later.
That on the AULNU Book Project, only 31 Universities had returned their completed questionnaires. The remaining universities were given up to June 2016 to make return, while the book should be published and presented at the 100th meeting in November, 2016.
That Treasurer’s report was presented, discussed and noted.
That amendments to the AULNU Constitution were presented, discussed and endorsed.
That send-forth for AULNU members who finished their terms would take place at the next meeting in November, 2016.
That presentation on open source textbooks option by Benson Ali was made and discussed.
That the venue for the next AULNU meeting was North-West University, Kano
That AULNU appreciated and commended AUN for its philanthropic project for the less privileged and urged it to continue with the good work.

Professor Lukman I. Diso Benson T. Ali

(Chairman, CULNU Communique Committee) (Secretary)

The 103^rd Meeting at Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium, NUC, Abuja

The Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) held her 103^rdbiannual meeting at the Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium of the National Universities Commission between Sunday 24^thand Wednesday 27^thMarch, 2019. The meeting considered several issues relating to repositioning of Nigerian University Libraries for global best practices. Papers were presented on key issues relating to repositioning of university libraries in Nigeria; open education (open data, open science, open humanities) infrastructure as well as starting up in library administration.

After a careful deliberation on the issues, the meeting observed as follows:

― There is the need for university libraries in Nigeria to identify reasons, areas of repositioning as well as the design for effective services;
― The global trend in information provision in general is tending more towards open education in forms of open data, open science, open humanities.
― University libraries have major roles to play in open education in terms of federated repositories- trust and identity framework, data migration and digital object identifiers (DOI); and
― The evolving global best practices in libraries demand regular capacity building among University library staff.

The 106^th Meeting at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, Abuja

The opening ceremony of the Meeting was chaired by Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), who also declared it open. The Keynote Address was presented by Dr. Christopher Nkiko, University Librarian of Elizade University, IlaraMokin while Goodwill messages were received from the National Librarian, Prof. (Mrs.) Chinwe Anunobi, the Ag. Registrar, (CEO), Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), Alhaji Jafaru Abdullahi Wase and the President, Nigeria Library Association, Prof. Innocent Ekoja, among others.

At the end of the 106^th Bi-annual meeting, the following resolutions were reached:

Members appreciated and commended the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed for his consistent support for AULNU and love for libraries and librarians;
AULNU should liaise with NUC and Salaries &Wages Commission to harmonize the Guidelines for promotion of librarians to the rank of Professor, especially in universities without Library Schools;
AULNU observes with concern the incorporation of the responsibility allowance of Registrars and Bursars into their salaries, while that of Librarians were not captured;
To liaise with NUC so that University Librarians are allowed to be in attendance of meetings/committees of University Governing Councils;
Libraries should urgently initiate the digitisation of their collections, especially projects, theses and dissertations considering attendant benefits that come with this initiative;
In line with the Memo from TETFund, University Librarians as Desk Officers should be given free hand to handle all library allocations without interference from any quarters;
Library and Information Science is not an education course; hence universities are free to house it in any faculty of their convenience. This has implication on the entry requirements for prospective students in each university. Education courses may therefore be taken as electives;
AULNU appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in its desire to complete the long abandoned National Library of Nigeria headquarters;
AULNU congratulates Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro for the successful completion of his tenure as Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and appreciates him for his special love for libraries and librarians. The Association equally congratulates Arc. Sunday Echono on his appointment as the new Executive Secretary of TETFund and looks forward to a robust working relationship;
It was observed that institutions have, to a large extent, applied accepted standards in the recruitment and appointment of librarians. However, AULNU cautions against breaches of these standards by recruiting unqualified librarians in their institutions and agencies.

Dr. Abdulkadir Ahmed Idris

Chairman, AULNU

The 107^th Meeting at the NUC Auditorium, Abuja

This year’s conference is apt, because it places emphasis on bridging the gap between theory and practice in information service delivery, especially in this information age where changes are very eminent. The Theme of the Conference was “LIS Education and Practice in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Efficient Information Service Delivery”. This critical theme is a follow up of problems in the library and library service delivery and library school practices. Resolutions: The conference resolved as follows:

The complexity of the Nigeria labour market and the changing nature of information and information service delivery has compelled this conference.
There should be a synergy between the library staff and the faculty in library schools in terms of teaching and practice. That course delivery system should change and be adaptable to modern trends.
Library schools should have good infrastructure especially technology, maintain small class sizes for effective service delivery.
The library school curriculum should be formulated to meet societal demands and the current job markets.
There should be a synergy between professional, training and regulatory bodies of LIS.
LIS curriculum should be reviewed and evaluated periodically to ensure that the philosophy of LIS programme is effectively reflected.
Only professional librarians with certification should be employed to teach or practice.
There is need for professional evaluation of new LIS graduates before induction.
There should be uniformity in practice and commercialization of services to add value.
Soft skills should be incorporated in the library school curriculum, career talks, skills acquisition, bibliometrics, Indexing and Abstracting.
Library schools should improve teaching, by incorporating ICT in service delivery, so that blended learning and e- learning can thrive.
There should be strict adherence to admission policy, in library schools; having 5 credits including Mathematics and English must be compulsory.
Appropriate housing of the Department of Library and Information Science is very necessary.

In conclusion, bridging the gap between theory and efficient information service delivery is the key to the growth and development of the Library profession in Nigeria. We thank the AULNU executive for giving us the opportunity to be of service.

Members of the Communique Drafting Committee:

Prof. Anthonia Eghieso Omehia

Dr. Evelyn Omoluabi Idiodi

Dr. Tukur Abba