Abstract

The study examined the role of university libraries in the transformation of educational system in Nigeria. It discussed basic concepts embedded in the research. The state of Nigerian university education system was x-rayed. and libraries as catalysts /or transformation of educational system extensively discussed, which covered itrn’.v university libraries can transform the Nigerian university education landscape through maintaining university library's role as instrument ofself-education, provision ofaccess to information resources without restrictions, promotion of intellectual freedom, making library a welcoming place to users, and promoting information literacy and lifelong learning, among others. The challenges hindering university libraries from effectively supporting the transformation agenda of the Nigerian university education were highlighted. which involve inadequate funding of Nigerian university libraries, lack of automation of library functions and services, lack of internet facilities and adequate bandwidth, negative influence ofICT on the library use. lack ofadequate staff, technophobia ofsome librarians, and lack ofappreciation ofthe educational roles ofthe library. Furthermore, possible strategies were proffered, which include infusing adequate financial resources to university libraries, and ensuring efficient use of the available fund to deliver best results, adopting viable educational reforms, optimal exploitation of the digital technology by the Nigerian university libraries, and support of indigenous publishing by the Nigerian Federal Government so as to reduce cost of production of books and also ensure its availability, among others. The study maintained that university libraries as vital organs ofNigerian university education play significant roles in transformation of university education system in Nigeria. This they do by ensuring provision of adequate library resources and effective services that are germane for teaching. learning and research activities of the university community for maintenance of excellence in Nigerian university education and by extension excellence in the character and learning of the university products that are required to become useful members ofthe society and contribute effectively to national development. The study therefore among others, recommended that the Nigerian universities and their libraries should strategically maintain a cordial relationship with TETFund for funding intervention; and leverage NUC NgREN so as to gain from their Internet connections for effective library services; university management of various universities in Nigeria should value their university libraries and adequately fund the libraries through the release of 10% of the total annual allocation to universities to their libraries: while the university librarians are also encouraged to effectively manage the funds allocated to libraries in order to provide effective services andjustify need for more funding.