About The Program
The Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.LIS) programme at Northwest University, Sokoto is designed to produce competent and ethically grounded information professionals equipped to meet the demands of modern library and information environments. The programme is structured in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS, 2023).
It combines theoretical knowledge with practical training in areas such as information organization, digital libraries, information services, and emerging technologies. Through coursework, SIWES, and project work, students acquire the skills needed for effective information management and professional practice.
Graduates are well prepared for careers in libraries, information centres, archives, and digital knowledge environments, as well as for further academic studies.
The philosophy of the Programme is to train graduates with the requisite skills and competencies to function in the 21st century library and information environment. Graduates of the programme should be capable of getting libraries and information centres to communicate in space and time to be to respond to the dynamic information needs of society.
To be a leading centre of excellence in Library and Information Science education, research, and innovation for sustainable knowledge development in Nigeria and beyond.
To produce competent, ethical, and technologically proficient information professionals capable of managing knowledge resources for effective learning, research, and societal development.
The aim of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.LIS) programme is to produce competent, ethical, and technologically proficient information professionals capable of managing, organizing, and disseminating information effectively to support learning, research, and societal development.
The objectives of the Programme are to:
- produce Library and Information professionals for all types of libraries, information and documentation centres;
- equip the graduates of the programme with relevant theoretical knowledge, practical skills and techniques to develop and enhance their job performance;
- encourage the spirit of inquiry and creativity among the Library and Information professionals so that they are capable of understanding the emerging concepts of the role of information in a complex multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and largely non-literate society like Nigeria;
- provide prospective Library and Information professionals with the intellectual and professional background adequate for their assignments and to make them adaptable to any changing situation; and
- provide an understanding of the role of the new communication technology (such as Internet) in the handling of information.
Admission Requirements
There are two modes of entry to the Bachelor of Library and Information Science Degree Programmes.
4-year programme
In addition to acceptable pass in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Five (5) Credit passes in the Senior Secondary Certification SSC (or its equivalent) at no more than 2 sittings including English Language and Mathematics.
Direct Entry
Five SSC (or its equivalent) credit pass including English, two of which must be at the Advanced Level in the following:
- Minimum of Upper Credit pass in Library and Information Science at the National Diploma level.
- Minimum of ten (10) points at the National Certificate in Education (NCE) for those with double major in Library and Information Science.
- The other A’ Level requirements mentioned should be discountenanced because the subjects are not in the area of Library and Information Science, neither are they related to Library and Information Science.
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.LIS) programme, graduates will be able to:
Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of Library and Information Science in professional settings
Organize, manage, and disseminate information resources using standard tools and technologies
Utilize information and communication technologies for effective information management
Conduct basic research and apply problem-solving skills in information environments
Demonstrate ethical, professional, and effective communication skills
Adapt to changing information needs and emerging trends in the knowledge society
The B.LIS programme at Northwest University, Sokoto is distinguished by:
Full compliance with NUC CCMAS (2023) standards
Strong integration of ICT and digital librarianship courses
Emphasis on practical training through SIWES, seminars, and project work
Dedicated and experienced academic staff
Curriculum focused on employability, ethics, and professional relevance
Preparation for careers in both traditional and digital information environments
Students must have offered a total of 120 credit units of requisite courses and met the general university requirements for graduation.
Graduates of the B.LIS programme acquire practical and professional skills that enable them to:
Organize, classify, and manage information resources in print and digital formats
Deliver effective reference and information services
Apply information and communication technologies in library and information environments
Manage digital libraries, databases, archives, and records systems
Conduct basic research, documentation, and information analysis
Demonstrate professional ethics, communication, and teamwork skills
Adapt to emerging trends in information management and knowledge services.
Program Courses
100 Level
| Course Code | Title | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| GST 111 | Communication in English | 2 Credits |
| GST 112 | Nigerian Peoples and Culture | 2 Credits |
| EDU 101 | Introduction to Teaching and Foundations of Education | 2 Credits |
| LIS 111 | Introduction to Library and Information Science | 2 Credits |
| LIS 114 | Introduction to Digital Libraries | 2 Credits |
| LIS 125 | Introduction to Library Application Packages | 2 Credits |
| - | Teaching subjects in area of Arts, Social science or science | 8 Credits |
200 Level
| Course Code | Title | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| GST 212 | Philosophy, Logic, Environment and Sustainable Development | 2 Credits |
| ENT 211 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 2 Credits |
| EDU 201 | Curriculum, Curriculum Delivery and General Teaching Methods | 2 Credits |
| LIS 222 | Organisation of Knowledge I | 2 Credits |
| LIS 215 | Library and Information Services for Children and Adolescents | 2 Credits |
| LIS 216 | Serials Management | 2 Credits |
| LIS 211 | Introduction to ICT in LIS | 2 Credits |
| - | Teaching subjects in area of Arts, Social science or science | 6 Credits |
300 Level
| Course Code | Title | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| GST 312 | Peace and Conflict Resolution | 2 Credits |
| ENT 312 | Venture Creation | 2 Credits |
| EDU 301 | Teaching Practice I | 3 Credits |
| EDU 302 | Educational Measurements, Tests, Research Methods and Statistics | 3 Credits |
| LIS 311 | Organisation of Knowledge II | 2 Credits |
| LIS 312 | Collection Management | 2 Credits |
| LIS 313 | Reference and Information Services in LIS | 2 Credits |
| LIS 322 | Hardware and Software Technologies | 2 Credits |
| LIS 329 | SIWES | 6 Credits |
| - | Teaching subjects in area of Arts, Social science or science | 6 Credits |
400 level
| Course Code | Title | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 400 | Project | 3 Credits |
| EDU 401 | Teaching Practice II | 3 Credits |
| LIS 413 | Indexing and abstracting | 2 Credits |
| LIS 416 | Introduction to Archives and Records Management | 2 Credits |
| LIS 417 | Publishing, Book Production and Trade | 2 Credits |
| LIS 418 | Preservation, Conservation and Security of Library and Information Resources | 2 Credits |
| LIS 421 | Database Design and Management | 2 Credits |