Strike Balance Between AI, Individual Writing Skills to Avoid Undermining – National Librarian
Prof. Chinwe Veronica
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Prof. Chinwe Veronica, has said that excessive reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning could undermine individual’s writing skills.
She disclosed this on Tuesday in Katsina, at the 9th Annual Conference for National Librarians, State Librarians, and Chairmen of State Public Library Boards, organised in collaboration with the state government.
The National Librarian, therefore, stressed the need to balance the technology with the traditional learning system.
The News Agency reports that the theme of the conference is: “Repositioning Nigerian Public Libraries: Innovation, Inclusivity, Empowerment and Partnership.”
Veronica explained that the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on reforms that would reposition libraries to meet global best practices.
She, therefore, urged Nigerians, especially the youths, to revive the hitherto reading culture in the country by patronasing libraries.
The national librarian commended Gov. Radda for his passion and investment in education and libraries in the state, pointing out that resolutions from the conference would greatly benefit future generations.
In his remarks, Gov. Dikko Radda, represented by the Commissioner for Higher, Vocational and Technical Education, Alhaji Muhammad Musa, reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalising the education sector and state-owned libraries.
The governor observed that the conference theme aligned with his administration’s vision to modernise public libraries and promote strong reading culture among the youths.
“Through such conferences, stakeholders will be able to restore the lost glory of libraries and instill reading culture in the younger generation, which remains a foundation for academic excellence,” Radda stated.
He commended the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) for the decision to review its strategic plan, describing it as a timely effort towards repositioning public libraries and improve access to education services in the country.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Dr Lawal Umar, called for urgent action to revive library services across the country.
He expressed concern that public libraries were non-existing in most local government areas, while the few existing ones in other places were in dare need of total overhauling.
Umar, therefore, stressed the need for relevant authorities to revamp the public libraries, in view of the fact that they remained the nation’s hub for information, creativity and social change.
The Chairman of the conference, who is also the State Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi, described the event as a milestone towards revitalising public libraries.
He called on elites and philanthropists to contribute relevant reading materials that reflect Nigeria’s cultural heritage and values to attract more readers.
