BUILDING CAPACITY FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: A ROADMAP FOR GAMIFICATION WORKSHOPS AND STAFF READINESS IN NIGERIAN LIBRARIES.

As the landscape of higher education in Nigeria undergoes a significant digital pivot, university libraries are increasingly pressured to adopt global best practices to remain relevant. While the "Open" scholarly ecosystem provides the necessary infrastructure, a critical "familiarity gap" exists among library personnel regarding modern engagement strategies like gamification. This article provides a conceptual framework for the implementation of gamification within library and educational settings, characterizing it as a high-potential but under-evaluated strategy for digital transformation. The research highlights three primary socio-technical hurdles in the Nigerian context: infrastructure anxiety (psychological stress from power and internet inconsistencies), conceptual misalignment (viewing game mechanics as trivial), and limited professional development historically focused on traditional cataloging. Systematic reviews indicate that librarian-led gamified interventions can produce moderate increases in engagement metrics. To address these barriers, this study proposes a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for building capacity through tiered technical competency levels and a "Champion" advocacy model. The framework emphasizes transitioning staff from "Keepers of Knowledge" to "Experience Designers" by focusing on "Applied Motivation Science" and resilient, "appropriate tech" solutions. Ultimately, the study concludes that for digital transformation to be successful, Nigerian libraries must move beyond turnkey solutions toward longitudinal evaluations and robust human infrastructure investment to ensure a vibrant, rewarding scholarly ecosystem.