Nigerian Library Association speaks out against appointment of non-librarian as Acting Registrar of LRCN

The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has expressed its concerns over the recent appointment of a non-librarian as Acting Registrar of the Librarian's Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN).

According to the NLA President, Dominic Omokaro, the Council's decision to appoint a non-librarian to regulate the profession of librarianship is an aberration and goes against the standards of other regulatory bodies in the country.

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The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has expressed concern over recent events at the Librarian's Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN). The Acting Registrar of the council recently retired after reaching the age of 60 and, in accordance with Public Service Rules, handed over to the most senior Director, who is not a librarian.

As a professional regulatory agency, the NLA believes that it is inappropriate for a non-librarian to head the organization responsible for regulating the profession of librarianship in Nigeria. Other regulatory bodies, such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, COREN, and Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, do not allow non-professionals to head their organizations.

The NLA believes that the appropriate action would have been for the LRCN to consult the Federal Ministry of Education and second the Director of Library Services of the Ministry to oversee the affairs of the Council until a substantive Registrar is appointed in accordance with the Act No.12 of 1995, which specifies the qualifications of the appointee.

As a result, the NLA has disassociated itself from the actions of the LRCN and has advised its members to refrain from participating in all activities of the Council, including the induction ceremony, until a qualified librarian is appointed by the government to run the affairs of the Council.

The NLA has also given the Federal Government two weeks to take appropriate action, failing which the association will explore other strategies to seek redress. This is not a threat to the government, but an internal circular to inform NLA members and the President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN).

The NLA has urged its members to remain calm and continue to pray for the profession. The association will continue to monitor the situation closely and update its members accordingly.