By Peter Oyedele, Abuja

A digital literacy expert, Sylvester Ebhonu of Admiralty University of Nigeria and National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), has called on Nigerian universities to prioritise digital wellness and redesign their libraries as “guardians of healthy knowledge consumption” amid rising concerns about technology-driven distraction among students.

Ebhonu made the call on December 10 at the 3rd Kwara State University (KWASU) Book Fair and Exhibition, where he delivered a keynote titled “Digital Wellness in University Communities: Libraries as Guardians of Healthy Knowledge Consumption in the Age of AI.”

The host University Librarian, Prof. A. A. Salman, described the fair as “a celebration of the power of books, ideas, information, and knowledge,” setting the tone for a discussion focused on balancing technology with academic wellbeing.

Ebhonu warned that universities are witnessing a steady rise in digital overload, constant notifications, algorithm-driven distraction, and heavy dependence on generative AI tools. These trends, he said, are affecting students’ cognitive health, emotional balance, academic integrity, and ability to engage in deep, critical thinking.

Using everyday student experiences, he illustrated how overreliance on AI and nonstop digital stimulation weaken attention and encourage shallow learning. Libraries, he argued, must evolve into intentional spaces that protect students from digital noise.

“Universities cannot talk about academic excellence without talking about digital wellness,” he noted, adding that institutions must rethink how students consume information while maintaining mental balance.

He also highlighted the renewed importance of printed books, describing them as vital tools for strengthening focus, reducing anxiety, and rebuilding the stamina required for sustained learning.

“Books are no longer just academic resources—they are therapeutic instruments,” he said.

Ebhonu outlined three steps he believes institutions must take to address digital wellness challenges:

Institutionalise Digital Wellness: He urged universities to embed digital wellness in policy, calling for collaboration among ICT units, counselling services, academic departments, and student affairs. He recommended developing a Digital Wellness and AI Responsibility Policy that includes device etiquette and responsible technology-use guidelines.

Reposition Libraries as Cognitive Safeguards: He encouraged academic libraries to adopt proactive roles—through initiatives such as “AI Abstinence Week,” “Digital Detox Day,” and dedicated Digital Wellness/AI Help Desks. He also recommended creating spaces like escapist rooms, bibliotherapy sessions, and book clubs to support healthier study habits.

Build a Culture of Healthy Digital Habits: Ebhonu emphasised mindful engagement with technology. “Think before you click. Be more curious than you react,” he told students, urging them to understand the impact of their digital behaviour.

He warned that “digital transformation without digital wellness becomes digital damage.”

The Vice Chancellor of KWASU, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, praised the keynote as timely and essential for modern academic communities.

“Digital wellness is not a trend but a survival skill for the 21st-century scholar,” he said, adding that responsible digital behaviour enhances critical thinking and academic performance.

Ebhonu received an Award of Excellence for his contribution to conversations on responsible technology use and academic wellbeing.

The event—part of activities marking KWASU’s 13th Convocation Ceremony—was attended by principal officers of the university, deans, directors, members of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), invited guests from other institutions, and students.