The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has expressed concerns over the non-completion of the national headquarters of the National Library of Nigeria 60 years after its establishment.

In a set of resolutions adopted at the end of its Examination Bodies and Libraries Trade Group Council, NASU noted that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which has been saddled with completing the sprawling complex that has been under construction for more than 20 years, is yet to sanction the continuation of the project.

It said: “The Council-in-Session noted with dismay the non-completion of the National Library Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. The council also expressed worries that after 60 years of establishment of the National Library of Nigeria, the library still operates from a rented apartment.

“The council is aware that TETFund has been saddled with the responsibility of completing the edifice and expressed concern that nothing concrete has been done on the building since TETFund took over. Council therefore calls on the Federal Government to hasten the completion of the National Library Headquarters building project in Abuja.”Ditto, NASU also bemoaned the non-constitutionality of library boards by state governments.

It stated: “The Council-in-Session observed with dismay the continued perpetuation of the illegality of not constituting functional Boards in almost all the State-Owned Libraries. Council noted that the responsibility of a functional Board for libraries is to liaise with the Governments in providing library services, facilities, and improved working conditions in the libraries as contained in the laws establishing the State Library Boards.

“The council reflected on the impact of good library services on the education of Nigerian children and considered the cost of maintaining a functional Board as a long-term investment in the country’s manpower development. “

Council therefore calls on the State Governments to restore the lost glory of the State Library Boards by constituting functional Boards to oversee the running of the libraries as provided for in the laws establishing them.”

NASU also stressed the urgent need for the government to fund examination bodies considering the vital role they play in maintaining high education standards, promoting accountability, and driving improvement.

Council noted that effective examination bodies are crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of the education system. Council, therefore, observed that the examination bodies face a common set of challenges primarily stemming from inadequate funding, which requires a comprehensive and holistic solution to ensure the long-term stability, sustainability, and credibility of the examinations administered by these bodies.

The meeting added: “Council strongly advocates for a significant increase in the budgetary allocation to these key Examination Bodies, namely: WAEC, NECO, JAMB, and NABTEB, to empower them to fulfil their statutory mandates, reinforce the educational infrastructure, and guarantee the integrity, durability, and effectiveness of Nigeria’s education system, thereby paving the way for sustainable national growth and development.”
Signed by the Deputy President of NASU, who is also the chairman of the trade council, Sunday Obabunmi, and NASU Senior Assistant General Secretary, ‘Damola Adelekun, the Council commended the branches of NASU that pay check-off dues correctly to the union as and when due but condemned those that short-pay the union.

The Council-in-Session drew the attention of members of the Examination Bodies and Libraries Trade Group Council to the need for them to attend meetings of the Council, which are mandatory for all eligible members and branches.

It acknowledged that attendance at Trade Group Council meetings is a constitutional matter that must be adhered to, as refusal to attend statutory meetings amounts to negligence and a total breach of the oath of office.

The Council-in-Session, which reviewed the activities of the union, expressed satisfaction with the steady progress recorded, lauded the leadership qualities of both the President of NASU, Dr Hassan Makolo, and General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, for steadying the ship of the union in the right direction.