VANDALIZATION OF NATIONAL LIBRARY, KANO: THE NORTH AND THE SELF INFLICTED WAHALA



It’s deeply disheartening to read about the looting at the National Library in Kano. The fact that even a dustbin was taken, yet not a single book was touched, speaks volumes about certain underlying issues.
This incident highlights a complex reality about the priorities and values present in some segments of Nigerian society. The looters’ disregard for the books suggests a troubling indifference toward education and intellectual enrichment. It indicates that, for some, immediate tangible items are valued over sources of knowledge and learning.
However, it’s also essential to recognize that this doesn’t reflect the sentiments of all Nigerians. Nigeria is a diverse nation with many individuals and communities that deeply value education, literature, and knowledge. The incident might also point to deeper socio-economic issues, where people in dire situations prioritize immediate survival over long-term intellectual pursuits.
Addressing these challenges involves not only protecting and valuing our cultural and educational institutions but also ensuring that the broader population understands and appreciates the immense value these institutions hold. This could be a call to action for policymakers, educators, and community leaders to work diligently towards fostering a broader culture of valuing education and knowledge across all strata of society.
Unfortunately, there is a very real and concerning likelihood that the government and policymakers may not take this incident as seriously as they should. Historically, there has been a pattern of overlooking cultural and academic preservation in favor of more immediate or politically expedient concerns. This lack of seriousness could be due to various factors, including inadequate prioritization of education and intellectual development within national policy frameworks.
For this reason, it’s crucial to place the responsibility squarely where it belongs: on the President’s table. The President, as the highest authority in the country, must champion the cause of protecting and valuing Nigeria’s educational and cultural heritage. This incident should be flagged as a significant failure to safeguard an essential national resource. It’s imperative that the President recognizes the broader implications of such neglect and take decisive action to ensure that libraries and other educational institutions are well-protected and properly valued moving forward.
It is important to note here that the actions of the looters are not merely acts of random vandalism; they are symptomatic of deeper, systemic issues that have plagued the North for years. The region has long suffered from neglect and corruption by its leaders, who have failed to invest in the education and wellbeing of their populace. Instead, they have fed their people lies and scraps, keeping them illiterate and subdued. This deliberate neglect has led to a cycle of poverty and a population that often cannot see beyond their immediate needs because they have been deprived of the tools to build a better future.
Years of corruption and mismanagement have only deepened this divide, with leaders prioritizing personal gain over public good. The endemic corruption has siphoned off resources that could have been used to build schools, improve infrastructure, and create opportunities for upward mobility. Instead, these resources have lined the pockets of a few, leaving the masses to fend for themselves with little hope of advancement. This systemic failure has culminated in frustration and despair, which manifest in such acts of looting and disregard for symbols of knowledge and progress.
This incident must serve as a serious wake-up call for the entire nation, especially Northern Leaders and Elites. It underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of governance in the North, demanding accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the education and development of the people. It’s a stark reminder that the wellbeing of the populace should be the primary concern of any government. Only by addressing these deep-seated issues can we hope to prevent such wanton destructive behaviors and create a society where knowledge and progress are truly valued.
©️ AI-KO
Agbeze Ireke – Kalu Onuma
writes from Lagos