Emmanuel Chukwu: Revolutionizing Library Access in Nigeria and Advancing Educational Progress
By Rebecca Ejifoma
Nigerian libraries, often referred to as the “ordinary man’s school,” the “university of the people,” and “a library for all,” have traditionally been invaluable community resources that make knowledge accessible to everyone, regardless of economic status. However, these institutions face numerous challenges that have hindered their effectiveness and relevance in modern education. Inadequate funding restricts the libraries’ ability to expand or update their collections, leaving many with outdated or irrelevant materials. Poor location further limits accessibility, especially in rural or underserved areas, while a lack of motivated, well-trained staff reduces the quality of support available to patrons. Additionally, issues like insufficient security for library materials discourage both patrons and staff.
These challenges have led to a significant decline in library usage, contributing to educational stagnation as libraries struggle to fulfill their role in lifelong learning. With fewer patrons and reduced support for their maintenance and growth, libraries are at risk of becoming obsolete, reinforcing educational complacency and limiting the potential of those who rely on them most.
Seeing this prevailing issue, Emmanuel Chukwu, the innovative founder of Library Technology Ltd (Libtech), has set out to reshape the Nigerian educational landscape. His groundbreaking integrated library solutions are not only modernizing libraries but also bridging the digital divide, ensuring that every Nigerian student, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, has access to quality education.
Chukwu, dedicating his career to reimagining library functions and making information more accessible through technology developed his flagship product, the Activeshelf Library Solutions Suite, which is a comprehensive platform that digitizes traditional library operations. It aids in cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and user management while integrating physical and digital resources in a single, web-based search interface. This streamlined, modernized approach not only optimizes library operations but also enhances the learning experience for users, making it easier and faster to access knowledge.
Beyond modernizing libraries, Chukwu recognizes the urgent need to support rural communities with limited internet access. His second breakthrough, HomeCloud, is a local digital learning solution that allows schools and libraries in underserved areas to access digital resources without internet connectivity. HomeCloud stores educational content on a local server, allowing users to access it on web-enabled devices. For schools in remote areas, this means access to a wealth of learning materials that were previously out of reach.
“Digital transformation is a necessity for the future of education in Nigeria,” says Chukwu. “Schools and libraries need to invest in digital infrastructure that allows students to access resources seamlessly, regardless of their geographic location or economic background.” Chukwu has advised Nigerian educational institutions to adopt digital solutions proactively to address the nation’s unique challenges. He believes that technology can transform how knowledge is disseminated, especially in settings where traditional resources are scarce.
He also emphasizes that educational institutions should prioritize local solutions that address Nigeria’s specific needs, such as low-bandwidth resources and offline access. “We must design solutions that work within the constraints of our environment rather than wait for infrastructure improvements,” he advises, noting that locally-driven innovation like HomeCloud offers an immediate, practical solution to bridge the digital divide in rural areas.
Today, Activeshelf and HomeCloud are deployed in over 20 organizations across Nigeria, spanning academic institutions, government agencies, schools, and nonprofits. By promoting the adoption of these tools, Chukwu is advancing not only library efficiency but also educational equality, paving the way for a future where knowledge is accessible to all Nigerians, no matter their background or location.
