Library and information science education in Nigeria: Curricula contents versus cultural realities

Library and Information Science (LIS) education can only be meaningfully discussed within the context of education generally, and vis-à-vis the cultural milieu for which it is provided. The growing globalization is equally a necessary factor to consider in this discussion, given its seeping impact on culture, economy and education, especially in developing countries. LIS education programmes in Nigeria are offered at various tertiary level institutions—Colleges of Education, Polytechnics, and Universities. Such programmes award certificates, diplomas, BLS, BLIS, MLS, MLIS, Ph.D. and vary in nomenclature, content, and grading system, depending on the awarding institution. The discussion examines the types of LIS programmes these schools offer, the content of their curricula, and training facilities against the needs and the prevailing conditions of the socio-cultural environment which is the schools’ raison d’etre. Each of these schools has its own peculiarities, but being federal institutions, they have many characteristics in common.