As part of activities marking the 2026 International Archives Day (IAD) and Archives Week Celebration, Kaduna State University (KASU) Library, in collaboration with the Society of Archivists, North-West Zone Region, organized a radio sensitization programme on KASU FM 89.5 on 7th June 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The programme was anchored by Mrs. Lami Gillian Daniel, HOD Community Service department of KASU Library, focused on the global theme: Archives for Justice: Rights, Memory and Future, with emphasis on the sub-themes: Archives for Accountability: Rule of Law, Truth and Transitional Justice and Archives for Future Justice: Anticipating Rights, Responsibility and Possibility.
The guest speakers, Dr. Allahmagani Khali, a Records and Archives Management expert, and Barr. Fatima Soba Lawal, educated listeners on the significance of archives in promoting accountability, transparency, justice, and sustainable development.
During the discussion, Dr. Khali explained that archives are not merely old documents but records of enduring value that serve as evidence of actions, decisions, rights, and obligations. She further emphasized that archives support informed decision making, governance, legal proceedings, research, and historical preservation.
Barr.Fatima Soba Lawal highlighted the legal importance of archives, noting that courts and legal institutions rely on authentic records to establish facts, resolve disputes, and protect citizens’ rights. She also underscored the relevance of the National Archives Act, 2004, and the doctrine of judicial precedent, which depends on the preservation of legal records.
The panelists further discussed the role of archives in preserving historical memory, supporting truth seeking initiatives, and facilitating transitional justice. They stressed the responsibility of individuals, organizations, and government institutions to create, maintain, and preserve records of enduring value.
The programme also addressed emerging challenges in records preservation, particularly the threats posed by cybercrime and digital data loss, obsolescence of born digital records, lack of skilled personnel, legal and policy gap. Listeners were encouraged to adopt proper records management practices, including the use of backup systems and digital preservation strategies.
The sensitization programme successfully increased public awareness of the importance of archives as instruments of accountability, legal memory, and future justice. It reinforced the need for effective records management and preservation as essential components of good governance, protection of rights, and national development.
The event demonstrated KASU Library’s commitment to promoting information management, public education, and the preservation of documentary heritage in line with global best practices.