Library Internet Governance Ambassadors Program

Host: Ramatu A. Haliru

Country: Nigeria

The Role of Libraries in Promoting Sustainable Digital Inclusiveness in Nigeria by Ramatu A. Haliru, Kaduna State Nigeria

Digital inclusion should be a collective responsibility shared by government, private institutions, civil society, and libraries. Ramatu A. Haliru, a Librarian at the Arewa House, Centre for Historical Research and Documentation, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, believes that libraries and librarians are strategically positioned to influence internet governance and positively impact their communities by ensuring members have access to the internet and are digitally literate. With this in mind, she implemented a workshop to equip library professionals across Nigeria with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute meaningfully to internet governance and digital inclusion through the Library Internet Governance Ambassadors Program.

Working in collaboration with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Ramatu convened key stakeholders to educate over 50 librarians during a two-day workshop titled “The Role of Libraries in Promoting Digital Inclusiveness in Nigeria.” The workshop, held from 16th –17th October 2025, brought together Dr. Fidelis M. Mwong, Chairperson of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Kaduna State Chapter; Kasham Ibrahim, Assistant Librarian at Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Mrs. Folashade Adepoju, Chairperson of the Nigerian Library Association, FCT Abuja.

During the sessions, speakers shared practical strategies for navigating financial constraints, bureaucratic barriers, and other challenges that limit digital inclusion efforts. The workshop also created space for interactive discussions, with librarians exchanging ideas on how to leverage their professional roles to drive sustainable digital inclusion and community development across Nigeria.