Tucked in the serene neighbourhood of Agba Dam Road, GRA, Ilorin, Mustapha Akanbi Library and Resource Centre stands out as a privately-owned citadel of learning and research. Established on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, this modest yet intellectually vibrant facility has quietly served the community with commitment to education and history, particularly Nigerian heritage.
Unlike public institutions, the library is open from Monday through Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., remaining closed on Sundays. Upon entering the premises, users are greeted at the reception on the first floor before ascending to the main library located on the second floor of the storey building.
The space, although compact, is conducive for study. While the collection may be limited in size compared to national libraries, it is curated with a focus on relevance and historical significance. Users are not charged for entrance, but they must adhere to the rules of conduct strictly enforced by the management.
There is no provision for charging devices such as phones or laptops, and 24/7 electricity supply is not guaranteed. As a result, library users are advised to dress comfortably, especially during hotter seasons, since the air-conditioning may be unavailable during power outages.
The library offers no internet services, so its utility is primarily anchored on physical resources. Yet, the range of its book categories is impressive. The shelves include:
- Education
- Philology and Literature
- Science
- Technology
- Geography
- Social Sciences
- Bibliography
- Library Science
- Mystery
- Romance
- Science Fiction
- Graphic Novels
- Western Novels
- Movies
- References
- General Works
- Government Documents
- History (notably rich in Nigerian history and law)
- Law
- Political Science
- Military Science
- Naval Science
Another special attraction is the library’s well-maintained photo album featuring Nigeria’s past political leaders from pre-independence to present day. This rare archive underscores the institution’s emphasis on preserving Nigerian historical memory.
Additionally, the library runs a free ICT training programme powered by Technology for Women Entrepreneurs (WTECH), held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the first floor. This initiative equips women and young entrepreneurs with vital digital skills.
Library visitors are mandated to sign in and out, a practice aimed at accountability and security. Rules and regulations are visibly displayed and include the prohibition of eating, drinking, and smoking; banning of bags within the reading area; and strict adherence to silence to prevent distractions.
Users must present an ID card to gain entry and are forbidden from marking, tearing, or removing any material. Damaged books attract fines. All consulted materials must be left on the table for staff handling.
Despite its infrastructural limitations, Mustapha Akanbi Library remains a beacon of focused learning in Ilorin. It combines historical consciousness with practical learning and operates with an orderliness that many public libraries struggle to maintain. The management encourages users to comply with all policies to ensure a peaceful and productive study environment.
The legacy of Justice Mustapha Akanbi lives on through this library, fostering a culture of respect for history, law, and education in Kwara State and beyond.
