Digital Inclusion and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Libraries
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Abstract
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Sustainable development has been defined as the
development that meets the social, economic and technological needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To attain sustainable
development, the roles of information and digital literacy cannot be ignored. Unfortunately,
according to the National Bureau of Statistics, adult illiteracy rate in Nigeria stands at 56.9%,
while
95% of Nigerians do not own a personal computer (PC). Considering that opportunities and access to
information and communication technologies (which are key drivers of
sustainable development) are predicated on literacy, the Nigerian situation is very disturbing.
In this paper, we examine the concept of digital inclusion and its role in sustainable
development. An assessment of the situation in Nigeria reveals
that libraries at different levels have critical roles to play in surmounting the challenges of
digital inclusion in the country. The paper concludes with a way forward for libraries and key
actors in the Nigerian polity.
Keywords
Z719 Libraries (General), ZA Information resources