By Adeola Kunle
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive intervention in the revival of the National Library of Nigeria Headquarters Complex in Abuja.
The commendation followed the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of an augmentation of the existing contract for the completion and comprehensive furnishing of the long-abandoned project.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Alausa said the President’s intervention had provided the leadership and financial resources required to revive a project that has remained stalled for 18 years. He described the move as another indication that Nigeria’s education sector is on a glorious path.
The Minister explained that construction of the National Library Headquarters began on April 29, 2006, with an initial completion period of two years. However, work was halted in October 2008, leaving the imposing structure in the heart of Abuja unfinished through successive administrations.
According to Dr. Alausa, President Tinubu, upon assuming office, directed that the necessary resources be mobilised to complete the project, including funding support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
“President Bola Tinubu, when he came in, mandated that we look for funds, real funds, that we use in completing this National Library. He directed that we source funds from Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and we've cobbled some funds together,” the Minister said.
Dr. Alausa also recognised the significant contribution of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who directed that gifts received during her birthday celebration be channelled towards the completion of the National Library.
He disclosed that the initiative generated about ₦25 billion, which, alongside funds sourced through TETFund and other interventions, has strengthened the financial resources available for the completion of the project.
“Combined with the money we've sourced from TETFund, the Council today approved the augmentation of the existing contract for the completion of the construction of the National Library of Nigeria Headquarters Building Complex in Abuja,” Dr. Alausa stated.
The Minister expressed optimism that construction activities would resume fully in the coming months, describing the development as a major milestone for the education sector and a positive resolution to years of uncertainty surrounding the project.
He stressed that completing the National Library goes beyond finishing a physical structure, noting that the facility is designed to serve as a national centre of knowledge that will provide a lasting platform for learning, research, scholarship, access to information and the preservation of Nigeria’s intellectual heritage.
Dr. Alausa said the President’s intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to completing critical education infrastructure, particularly projects that have remained abandoned for extended periods.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the support that has moved the National Library project from prolonged abandonment towards completion, while also commending Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her contribution to the initiative.
The Minister further stated that the revival of the National Library forms part of the broader progress being recorded in Nigeria’s education sector under the Tinubu administration. He noted that the eventual completion of the project would give Nigerians a modern national institution capable of meeting its intended purpose.
“Abandoned National Library for 18 years, President Bola Tinubu has now been able to mobilise funds, cobbled funds together, for work to go back, to start again at the National Library. We thank you, Mr. President,” he said.
Dr. Alausa expressed confidence that the renewed financial and administrative momentum would result in the eventual completion and furnishing of the National Library Headquarters, transforming the long-abandoned structure into a functional national centre of knowledge for present and future generations.
Adeola Kunle
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