National library a ‘disgrace’, say Reps

• Experts decry neglect of albinos in education policy
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic and Secondary Education has described the dilapidated state of the national library as an embarrassment to the country.

Chairman of the committee, Zakari Mohammed, who said this during an inspection of the national library yesterday in Abuja, stated that Nigeria is an embarrassing state considering the state of the national library.

Mohammed said that the library project had become embarrassing for the house committee, adding that the committee must take quick measures to fast-track the project.

His words: “We know we are going to trample on toes trying to fast-track the project, but we are not bordered about that because our concern is the service to the people and saving the face of the country.

“We are products of library and we believe that this is below standard for a country called Nigeria, for us in the committee and the National Assembly. We are currently embarrassed by what we have seen.”

He, therefore, advised that the Federal Government should source for funds to complete the National Library permanent building in 12 months to save the country more embarrassment.

Meanwhile, the National Librarian, Prof. Lanre Olatokunbo Aina, said that Nigeria is owing agencies in Poland and the United Kingdom (UK) €5,000 for subscriptions of ISBN and ISSN, adding that the Library had managed to pay €1,000 out of the €5,000 to get some subscriptions with the arrangement to make all payments before the end of 2017.

In another development, stakeholders have expressed disappointment over the ways and manner principals of schools, head teachers and counsellors are treating pupils and students living with albinisms in the country.

They observed that most albinos are being neglected, no attention given to them, especially, vulnerable ones in schools and colleges.

Acting Director, FCT Secondary Education Board, Mrs. Nanre Emeje, called on government and corporate bodies to support and do what is needful to promote albinos education in society.

Also, Vice President, ANCOPSS and Co-ordinator of SEB Principals, Hajiya Binta Nasir, said that albinos should not be stigmatised in Nigeria.