Nigerian University Librarians Unveil Strategic Plan for Responsible AI in Academic Libraries

The Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) has launched a strategic roadmap to guide the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries across the country. The initiative aims to enhance learning, research, and access to information within Nigerian universities while safeguarding academic integrity.

The roadmap was the key outcome of AULNU’s 113th meeting, held from September 22 to 26, 2025, at the Committee of Vice Chancellors Secretariat in Abuja. Organized in partnership with the Nigerian University Libraries Consortium (NULIB), the conference brought together university librarians and technology experts to deliberate on positioning Nigerian libraries for the AI-driven future of education.

During the two-day technical sessions, Sylvester Israel Ebhonu, a Digital Transformation Leader and Faculty Librarian at Admiralty University of Nigeria, introduced participants to innovative tools such as the AI Librarian Mentor (Bibliomentor) and the AI Reference Librarian. These platforms are designed to support library professionals and students in streamlining information services and improving research outcomes.

Ebhonu—recipient of the Dr. Victoria Okojie Award for Advocacy and Promotion of Library and Information Services—also facilitated breakout discussions on critical issues surrounding AI integration. Participants, including librarians, systems analysts, and e-librarians, examined the need for policy frameworks, ethical guidelines, capacity building, and infrastructure investment to ensure AI is applied in ways that strengthen, rather than compromise, academic standards.

Special guest Prof. Andrew Haruna, Secretary General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), joined other experts such as Dr. Ogochukwu T. Emiri and Dr. Femi Joshua to share insights on leveraging AI to expand access to knowledge and improve library services nationwide.

AULNU Chairperson, Prof. Angela Ebele Okpala, applauded the collaborative effort and encouraged university librarians to work closely with their Vice Chancellors to implement the recommendations from the workshop.

“The era of smart libraries is here, and Nigerian University Librarians are ready to lead responsibly,” one participant noted.

According to AULNU, the resolutions from the meeting will serve as a strategic blueprint for Nigerian academic libraries, ensuring that emerging AI technologies are adopted in a manner that supports innovation, preserves academic integrity, and keeps libraries at the forefront of knowledge development.