A fire outbreak on Tuesday destroyed the main library of Kano State Polytechnic, consuming books, academic records and equipment worth millions of naira.
The library, located at the Central Administration campus of the institution located along BUK Road in Kano, also houses the Examination and Records Department of the school.
Confirming the incident, the school’s Public Relations Officer, Auwal Isma’il Bagwai, said the fire started around 3am on Wednesday and razed the entire building complex.
He said, “The fire kept raging and because it was at that period of the day, nobody knew it was raging until the building roof collapsed. That was when security on duty noticed it and quickly alerted the fire service.
“The fire has destroyed virtually everything inside the building, including offices, books, e-library, exam and record department. It was only the Chief Librarian’s office that was not completely razed before the fire was put off.
“As an old institution established since the 1970s, there are a lot of old books that have been burnt down,” Bagwai added.
He, however, said that there was no loss of any life recorded.
Similarly, chairman of the National Library Staff Union, Kano State chapter, Malam Nazir Muhammad, described the fire as a major setback to teaching and research at the institution.
He said the fire razed important educational materials and working tools within the library, sparking deep concern among staff and students.
“This is a huge loss to the institution. The library plays a crucial role in supporting academic activities, research, and knowledge preservation. Its destruction is a setback not only to the polytechnic but to the entire academic community in Kano,” the statement read in part.
The union expressed sympathy to library workers, the management of the polytechnic, and students affected by the incident.
It also appealed to the government, educational authorities, and well‑meaning individuals to support efforts aimed at rebuilding and improving the facility. “We call on stakeholders to come to the aid of the institution. The library must be restored to continue serving its purpose,” the union added.
As at the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had not been determined.