The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) and the Qatar National Library (QNL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in knowledge exchange, research, digital technology, cultural heritage preservation and professional development.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the agreement was signed by the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, and the Executive Director of the Qatar National Library, Huism Tan, in Busan, South Korea.
The signing, witnessed by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut, formalises a relationship aimed at advancing modern library services and strengthening cultural and intellectual ties between Nigeria and Qatar.
The partnership followed a visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the Qatar National Library in Doha, where she expressed admiration for its modern facilities and approach to knowledge, research and cultural preservation.
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During the visit, the First Lady highlighted the importance of documenting and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
The initiative was subsequently strengthened by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, whose engagement with the Qatar National Library advanced discussions on technical cooperation in digital services, preservation, staff development and innovative library technologies.
Dr Alausa also facilitated the visit of Prof. Anunobi and her team to the Qatar National Library, enabling Nigerian library professionals to engage directly with their Qatari counterparts and explore practical approaches to modern library development.
“The engagement enabled Nigeria to examine practical approaches to modern national library development while establishing a stronger foundation for sustained institutional cooperation,” the statement read.
Under the new MoU, the two institutions will cooperate in scientific, technical and cultural fields, including the exchange of educational and research materials, publications and professional knowledge.
The agreement also provides opportunities for joint content development, collaborative programmes, cultural exchange, public engagement and the mutual promotion of projects.
“Of particular importance is the potential for cooperation in digital preservation and cultural heritage. Nigeria possesses an extensive collection of historical records, indigenous knowledge, publications, manuscripts, photographs and other materials that form part of the nation’s collective memory. Preserving these resources requires modern technologies, professional expertise and sustainable digital strategies. QNL’s experience provides a valuable platform for knowledge sharing as the National Library of Nigeria continues to strengthen its digital services and heritage preservation efforts,” it added.
The agreement also reflects the evolving role of national libraries beyond the traditional collection and preservation of books. Modern national libraries serve as centres for research, education, public access to knowledge and the preservation of national identity and collective memory.
The participation of Ambassador Daduut further underscored the diplomatic significance of the partnership, demonstrating the growing role of libraries and cultural institutions in strengthening relations between countries through knowledge exchange and cultural diplomacy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as the culmination of a process that began with the First Lady’s visit to Doha, received further impetus through ministerial engagement and progressed through professional exchanges between the two national libraries.
For the National Library of Nigeria, the partnership presents an opportunity to deepen international cooperation in digital transformation, heritage preservation, research and professional development.
For the Qatar National Library, it creates a stronger platform for engagement with Nigeria’s extensive intellectual and cultural heritage.
The MoU therefore marks a significant step in Nigeria’s international library diplomacy, with both institutions positioned to build a sustained partnership focused on preserving knowledge, strengthening library services and ensuring that the cultural memory of both nations remains accessible to future generations.
“From Doha to Busan, what began with a visit has grown through ministerial support, professional engagement and institutional commitment into a formal partnership.”
