By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the historic Murtala Muhammed Library has been abandoned, clarifying that the facility is currently undergoing renovation and modernization under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, explained that the congestion seen in a viral video from the library resulted from ongoing rehabilitation works at the facility.
According to the statement, the state government awarded the renovation contract to Global Firm Limited as part of efforts to restore the library and transform it into a modern centre for learning, research and intellectual development.
The commissioner disclosed that furniture, bookshelves and other materials were temporarily moved downstairs to allow renovation work to commence in the upstairs reading section of the library.
However, the government expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of work by the contractor, accusing the firm of abandoning the project site after initial activities.
“The Government has discovered with dissatisfaction that the contractor has failed to sustain the pace of the work and subsequently abandoned the project site,” the statement noted.
It added that the state government had commenced necessary measures against the contractor in line with contractual agreements and due process, stressing that negligence and delays on public projects would not be tolerated.
The government further reaffirmed its commitment to completing the renovation project, noting that the library would, upon completion, feature modern reading halls, digital research facilities and an improved learning environment for students, researchers, academics and the general public.
The administration also highlighted its achievements in the education sector since assuming office, including the declaration of a state of emergency on education, rehabilitation of public schools, payment of examination fees for indigent students, recruitment efforts aimed at improving teaching quality, and renewed investment in higher institutions and libraries across the state.
The Kano State Government therefore urged residents to disregard what it described as misleading reports alleging deliberate abandonment of the library project and advised members of the public to verify information before sharing content capable of creating unnecessary tension or misunderstanding.
The statement reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue revitalizing educational institutions and promoting academic excellence across the state.