The Kano State House of Assembly has urged the state government to urgently undertake a total overhaul and facelift of the state-owned library.

The library was named after former head of state, Murtala Muhammad.

The call followed a motion presented by Nabil Aliyu-Daneji, member representing Kano Municipal, at the plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Ismail-Falgore, on Monday.

Moving the motion, Mr Aliyu-Daneji said the overhaul of the facility had become imperative because the library had suffered significant infrastructural decay, a shortage of current reading materials, inadequate digital facilities, poor power supply, and general underutilisation due to neglect.

According to him, a well-equipped and properly maintained public library is an indispensable partner to formal education, providing students, teachers, researchers, and the general public with access to books, digital resources, and quiet study spaces.

According to him, it will also support the state government’s free and compulsory basic education policy, provide a conducive environment for research and self-development, and complement the efforts of tertiary institutions and secondary schools within the state.

“Similarly, it will position Kano state as a knowledge-driven society in line with contemporary educational standards,” he said.

Mr Aliyu-Daneji urged the House to call on the governor and the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, particularly the ministries of education and information, culture, and tourism, to commence comprehensive rehabilitation, renovation, and modernisation of the library.

“The House to urge the state government to make adequate provision in the next budget estimates for structural repairs, procurement of current books and journals, installation of digital learning facilities, provision of reliable electricity, including solar backup, and recruitment or training of professional library staff.

“To request the relevant House Committee on Education or the Committee on Information to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the library and report back to the House. To further call on the state government to partner with relevant development partners, corporate organisations, and philanthropists for the sustainable development and maintenance of the library,” Mr Aliyu-Daneji stated.

The House subsequently called for urgent government intervention to restore the library.

(NAN)