AUST Library Celebrates Human Rights Day with Focus on Literacy and Access to Information

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) Library on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, joined the global community to commemorate World Human Rights Day, with a themed event titled “Promoting Human Rights Through Literacy.” The initiative underscores the library’s ongoing commitment to enhancing information literacy, fostering knowledge-sharing, and promoting academic excellence within the AUST community.

Held at the AUSTInspire and streamed online as a hybrid event, the celebration brought together students, faculty, and legal professionals to reflect on the role of literacy and libraries in protecting and promoting human rights — particularly the right to access information.

In her keynote remarks, Barr. Chioma Angela Okeke (PhD) — a seasoned lawyer with over two decades of experience — emphasized that access to information is a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for a few. She highlighted the critical role of libraries in ensuring this right is upheld and urged all stakeholders to support and equip libraries as front-line advocates for literacy and inclusion.

Barr. Okeke also generously donated three of her authored books in multiple copies to the AUST Library, encouraging other authors to do the same. “Every published work has the potential to empower. Let’s ensure our libraries are filled with knowledge that’s freely accessible,” she stated.

Barr. Nnenna John, representing Ms. Lizzy Asomugha from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), echoed similar sentiments. She stressed the link between legal rights and literacy, noting that access to accurate, timely information is vital for social development, empowerment, and academic progress.

The event forms part of AUST Library’s broader mission to support learning, drive human capital development, and champion inclusive access to knowledge. By aligning its programming with global observances like Human Rights Day, the library reinforces its role as a center for intellectual engagement and societal transformation.

As the event concluded, participants were encouraged to continue advocating for literacy as a tool for empowerment and to support the library in its efforts to provide equitable access to information for all.