The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has announced that the National Library fund has secured approximately N20.4 billion in donations since its launch on September 18. The fundraising initiative was unveiled ahead of her 65th birthday on September 21, with the goal of completing the long-abandoned National Library headquarters in Abuja.
According to Mrs. Tinubu, the library project is a deeply personal endeavor, reflecting her lifelong passion for education and learning. She emphasized that the initiative is a national effort, led by the Federal Ministry of Education under the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund.” The Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation are signatories to the account, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The First Lady expressed her gratitude to Nigerians who have donated to the fund, urging them to contribute instead of sending her birthday gifts or placing congratulatory newspaper adverts. She shared her personal experience of how libraries shaped her early years, fostering her curiosity and personal development, and reaffirmed her belief in the transformative power of books.
Mrs. Tinubu has a history of philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and public health. She recalled raising funds for various causes, including ₦50 million for the National Sickle Cell Foundation Center on her 45th birthday and ₦200 million for the New Era Foundation and other charities on her 50th birthday.
The National Library project was first proposed in 1981, with construction beginning in 2006. However, by 2023, only 44% of the work had been completed, with cost estimates for completion ranging between N49.6 billion and N120 billion. The project site, located in Abuja, is seen as a critical hub for education and youth engagement.
The Federal Government has mandated the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to resume funding and restart construction of the project. The Minister of Education confirmed that construction would resume on June 1, following detailed site assessments. The Nigerian Library Association has also renewed its call for urgent completion, citing the project’s importance to national education, research, and cultural preservation.
The funds raised so far will contribute significantly to the completion of the National Library headquarters, which is expected to serve as a national treasure for generations to come. With the support of well-meaning Nigerians, including politicians and captains of industry, the project is poised to make progress, reinforcing the country’s commitment to education and learning.
