AULNU Calls for Open Access Policies and Professional Librarian Appointments in Nigerian Universities
Get All NOUN Updates HereAULNU has urged Nigerian universities to adopt Open Access policies and appoint only professionally certified librarians to lead academic libraries. The association also called for stronger investment in digital infrastructure and support for Open Access publishing to boost research visibility and innovation.
- AULNU urged Nigerian universities to adopt institutional Open Access policies to enhance knowledge sharing, research visibility, and innovation.
- The association insisted that only professionally certified and LRCN-registered librarians should be appointed as University Librarians.
- Delegates noted that university libraries are transitioning from traditional custodial roles to strategic hubs for research dissemination, digital preservation, and digital literacy.
- Major challenges to Open Access implementation include poor ICT infrastructure, unstable electricity supply, inadequate funding, low digital literacy, and weak institutional policies.
- AULNU called on TETFund and relevant government agencies to strengthen support for Open Access infrastructure, digital repositories, and broadband connectivity, while recognizing Open Access outputs in accreditation and research assessments.
The Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) has called on universities to adopt institutional Open Access policies and restrict leadership of academic libraries to professionally-certified librarians.
The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after AULNU’s 114th Bi-Annual Conference and General Meeting held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) auditorium, Abuja, from May 4 to 7, 2026.
The University Librarian of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Angela Okpala is the current national president of the association and delivered her speech at the conference.
The conference themed: “Managing University Libraries in the Era of Open Access Publishing: The Role of Librarians,” drew librarians, scholars, policymakers, and development partners.
Delegates said Open Access Publishing is now vital for democratising knowledge, improving research visibility, and accelerating innovation, according to the communique, issued on May 7, 2026.
They observed that university libraries are shifting from custodial roles to strategic centers for research dissemination, digital preservation, and digital literacy.
The meeting identified major barriers including poor ICT infrastructure, unstable power, inadequate funding, low digital literacy, and weak policies.
Delegates also expressed concern over predatory journals, misinformation, and the misuse of Artificial Intelligence in scholarly communication.
AULNU frowned at the appointment of non-qualified persons as University Librarians, stating that doing so undermines professionalism and standards.
It resolved that only librarians registered with the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) should be eligible for such appointments.
The association urged TETFund and government agencies to strengthen support for Open Access infrastructure, digital repositories, and broadband connectivity.
It recommended that Open Access publications and Institutional Repositories be recognized in accreditation and research assessments.
AULNU also commended NUC,TETFund, the National Library of Nigeria and the Nigerian Library Association for their continued support of academic librarianship.
The association pledged to deepen collaboration among university libraries to establish sustainable Open Access consortia and shared digital infrastructure.
