AUST Students Embark on Educational Excursion to National Assembly Library
Students of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, have undertaken an educational excursion to the National Assembly Library Trust as part of their fieldwork for the AUST 211 course on the Use of Library and ICT.
The visit, led by the Chief Librarian, Mrs Onyebuchi Ekpolomo, and the Acting Head of Department, School of General Studies, Ms Lizzy Asomugha, provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with Nigeria’s legislative history, research culture, and archival resources. The students were received by Dr Joyce Umoren, Special Assistant on School Visitations and Tours, alongside Mrs Rebecca Gbefroi, Librarian, who, together with their team, guided the students through the facility and its collections.
During the session, students were introduced to the “Democracy as a Method” library concept, which situates Nigeria’s contemporary political system within a broader historical context. Presentations traced governance structures from pre-colonial systems, such as those of the Oyo Empire, through colonial transitions, to modern legislative practices. Emphasis was placed on the continuity and evolution of democratic ideals, including decentralised governance traditions and their relevance in present-day society.
The programme also featured an interactive exhibition, where students explored archival materials and digital resources, including documents dating back to the late nineteenth century. Demonstrations showed how mobile devices can be used to access and scan materials, thereby enhancing research accessibility and engagement.
A key highlight of the visit was the focus on women’s participation in Nigerian politics. Students were introduced to notable female leaders and the importance of representation in governance. At the “Madam Speaker’s Corner”, which commemorates Nigeria’s only female Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Patricia Etteh, a 200-level Software Engineering student, Deborah Afiagh, assumed a symbolic role as Speaker, bringing the experience vividly to life.
The tour further exposed students to legislative procedures, including the stages of bill readings, and provided insight into the roles of elected representatives in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Students were encouraged to deepen their understanding of civic responsibility and democratic engagement.
In addition to the historical and legislative components, the visit included a multimedia demonstration featuring archival footage from Nigeria’s Independence era, offering valuable visual context to the country’s political and cultural evolution.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Joyce Umoren emphasised the importance of cultivating a strong reading and research culture among students, noting that access to information resources is essential for informed citizenship and academic excellence.
In her remarks, Mrs Onyebuchi Ekpolomo expressed sincere appreciation to Dr Joyce Umoren and her team for their warm reception and the insightful tour of the National Assembly Library. She commended the team’s dedication to knowledge dissemination and noted that the experience had significantly enriched the students’ academic exposure, reinforcing the importance of libraries as centres of learning, research, and national development.
The excursion forms part of AUST’s commitment to experiential learning, equipping students with practical knowledge and a deeper appreciation of Nigeria’s institutional frameworks. Students described the visit as enlightening, noting that it broadened their understanding of governance, history, and the critical role of information in national development.