The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) and the Qatar National Library (QNL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in knowledge exchange, research, digital technology, cultural heritage preservation and professional development.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Busan, South Korea, by the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the NLN, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, and Executive Director of the QNL, Huism Tan, in the presence of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement provides a formal framework for cooperation in scientific, technical and cultural fields, including the exchange of educational and research materials, publications and professional knowledge.
It will also facilitate cultural exchanges, joint public engagement programmes, collaborative content development, professional exchanges and mutual promotion of projects by the two institutions.
The partnership followed a visit by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the Qatar National Library in Doha, where she expressed admiration for the institution’s modern facilities and approach to knowledge, research and cultural preservation.
During the visit, the First Lady underscored the importance of properly documenting and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural and historical heritage for future generations.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, subsequently strengthened discussions on the proposed partnership, identifying technical cooperation with QNL as an avenue to improve Nigeria’s national library system through digital services, preservation, staff development and innovative technologies.
A subsequent visit by Prof. Anunobi and her team to the Qatar National Library enabled Nigerian and Qatari library professionals to exchange knowledge on digital transformation, conservation, electronic resources, digital repositories, automation, smart library systems and public library services.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the MoU is particularly significant for digital preservation and cultural heritage, given Nigeria’s extensive collections of historical records, indigenous knowledge, publications, manuscripts, photographs and other materials that constitute the nation’s collective memory.
The ministry said cooperation with QNL would provide valuable opportunities for Nigeria to access expertise and share experiences on modern technologies and sustainable strategies for preserving such resources.
The agreement also reflects the evolving role of national libraries beyond the traditional collection of books to include preserving national memory, supporting research and education, expanding access to knowledge and safeguarding cultural identity.
The presence of Ambassador Daduut at the signing further highlighted the diplomatic value of the partnership, with the ministry describing libraries as important instruments of cultural and knowledge diplomacy.
The ministry said the journey from Doha to Busan represented the progression of the partnership from the First Lady’s initial visit, through ministerial intervention and professional exchanges, to the formal institutional agreement.
It added that the MoU presented the National Library of Nigeria with opportunities to strengthen international cooperation in digital transformation, heritage preservation, research and professional development, while providing the Qatar National Library with a stronger channel of engagement with Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
The ministry described the agreement as a shared commitment by both countries to preserving knowledge and ensuring that the memory and heritage of their nations remain accessible to future generations.
