FOSTERING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES IN ILESA

Abstract

Education serves as a fundamental catalyst for societal and global development, acting as a catalyst for substantial and meaningful changes on a global scale. In this context, Nigeria, like many nations, recognizes the pivotal role of education in individual and societal development. This recognition is enshrined in the National Policy on Education (NPE) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN, 2014), which underscores the significance of basic education. For decades, successive governments have prioritized the provision of basic education, recognizing its potential to empower individuals to contribute significantly to the development of their communities.

This paper focuses on the critical role of physical facilities, particularly libraries, in achieving the aims and objectives of secondary education in Nigeria. It emphasizes that for education to serve as a conduit for cultural transmission and renewal, educational institutions must provide essential resources such as libraries. These libraries safeguard knowledge, preserve cultural heritage, and furnish vital information for educational and research purposes. Drawing on the insights of Abdullahi (1998), Ayaz, Ali, Khan, llah & Ullah (2017), Botool & Webber (2017), Godfrey, Rutledge, Mowdood, Reed, Bigler & Soehner (2017), and Kleijnen, Huysmans, Ligtvoet & Elbers (2017) as cited by Suleiman, Hanafi & Thanslikan (2018), the paper underscores the multifaceted role of libraries in education.