Education Minister Tunji Alausa Inaugurates N1bn-Plus Central Library at Federal University Gusau

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Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Tuesday inaugurated an ultra-modern Central Library at the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), hailing it as a transformative investment in knowledge, human capital, and societal progress.

The facility – boasting a seating capacity of around 1,500 – stands as a landmark achievement for the institution, completed through sustained funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Alausa described the library as the “heart of the university,” a vital space where ideas converge, innovation thrives, and collaboration flourishes. He emphasised education’s role in tackling deep-rooted social issues, stating: “Education remains the most powerful tool for transforming society and addressing long-standing social challenges.” The minister, represented at the event by FUGUS Vice-Chancellor Professor Mu’azu Gusau, added that well-educated communities are inherently safer and more prosperous.

The project, initiated around 2020, faced delays due to funding hurdles but was ultimately realised under TETFund’s 2025 Annual Intervention. Dr Alausa disclosed that the total cost exceeded one billion naira, with multiple phases of support required to overcome setbacks. TETFund provided the lion’s share, supplemented by additional contributions. He urged students to embrace the facility responsibly, viewing it as a resource not just for the university but for the broader Zamfara community.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mu’azu Gusau reflected on the challenging path to completion, crediting persistent advocacy with TETFund and stakeholders for securing ongoing backing. He called the structure an “iconic backbone” essential for teaching, research, and community service, warning that no university can fully operate without a robust library.

The university’s Chief Librarian pledged efficient, non-discriminatory management to maximise information access across all faculties.In addition to the Central Library, Dr Alausa inaugurated two more TETFund-supported projects: the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Lecture Theatre (under the 2025 intervention) and the Faculty of Science Extension building (completed via the 2023 allocation). These developments underscore the government’s push to bolster infrastructure in federal tertiary institutions amid budget constraints and rising enrolment.

Informed observers highlight the significance of such investments in northern Nigeria, where educational access has historically lagged due to security concerns and resource limitations. Zamfara State, long affected by banditry and displacement, stands to benefit from enhanced facilities that could attract more students and faculty while fostering research relevant to local challenges like agriculture and sustainable development.

TETFund’s annual interventions have become a lifeline for public universities, funding everything from buildings to equipment and staff training. This Gusau project aligns with broader federal efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to revitalise education, including recent approvals for online degree programmes and governance reforms.

As FUGUS – established in 2013 – continues to grow, the new library is expected to elevate its academic profile, supporting accreditation goals and research output. Students and staff expressed optimism, with many noting the facility’s modern design as a motivator for deeper engagement in studies.