Purpose In the context of the Nigerian higher education ecosystem, the purpose of this study is to consider the changing role of libraries and librarians in the roadmap of open science (OS) ideas and practices. This study seeks to evaluate the level of OS preparedness at the moment, pinpoint enduring issues, draw attention to new opportunities and suggest tactical approaches to speed up OS roadmap in Nigerian academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach This reflective analysis draws on a synthesis of recent empirical studies, national infrastructure initiatives (including the RUMBU repository platform and LIBSENSE Nigeria), professional association reports and policy documents. This paper uses analytical approach to examine the intersection of library practice, OS principles and the Nigerian institutional context. Findings Nigerian librarians demonstrate foundational awareness of OS principles, yet this understanding remains fragmented, and institutional readiness varies significantly across the country. The development of national infrastructure, including the RUMBU platform and LIBSENSE Nigeria initiatives, signals meaningful progress. Infrastructure deficiencies (unreliable power supply, poor Internet connectivity and inadequate ICT facilities), financial limitations, policy gaps, human capacity limitations, cultural resistance to data sharing and a lack of cooperation between academic staff and libraries are some of the ongoing obstacles that prevent systematic adoption. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a reflective synthesis of existing literature and national initiatives rather than primary empirical data collection. Future research should conduct systematic surveys and case studies across a representative sample of Nigerian university libraries to establish baseline OS readiness indicators and track progress over time. Practical implications This paper offers strategic recommendations for university librarians, professional associations (NLA, AULNU), government and funding agencies (NUC, TETFund) and individual practitioners. These include developing comprehensive OS policies, investing in infrastructure and training, strengthening repository management, advocating for national OS policy frameworks, supporting open infrastructure development and embracing OS as a core professional identity. Social implications To ensure that Nigerian scholarship has its proper role in the global knowledge commons, open scientific roadmap in Nigerian university libraries is positioned as an issue of epistemic fairness. By promoting equitable access to research outputs, OS has the potential to democratise knowledge production, enhance research visibility and support evidence-informed policymaking for national development. Originality/value This paper provides one of the first comprehensive reflections on OS adoption in Nigerian academic libraries, integrating recent empirical evidence, national infrastructure developments and professional discourse. This study advances the argument that librarians must transition from passive supporters to active drivers of OS, advocating for policy reform, investing in digital infrastructure and championing capacity-building initiatives that position Nigerian scholarship within the global knowledge commons
Kayode et al. (Thu,) studied this question.