The outgoing University Librarian, Prof. Fehintola Onifade has charged Librarians to ensure that students and stakeholders at large have access to the right knowledge that will enable them to function reasonably and make valuable contributions to the development of the nation.
Prof. Onifade stated this at the 2nd Edition of ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library Eminent Personality Lecture Series, held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Postgraduate School Auditorium.
In her Speech, the University Librarian noted that the essence of the Lecture is to enable individuals learn as information facilitators and develop new strategies to meet the sophisticated needs of the society.
She added that one way to acquire knowledge is to tap from people’s wealth of experience, stressing that this type of knowledge can not be documented and may not be found on the internet. The outgoing University Librarian congratulated participants, noting that it will go along way to add to the already existing Knowledge.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Christian Ikeobi in his Opening Remark commended the outgoing University Librarian for keeping the flag flying for the continuation of the Eminent Personality Lecture Series.
Expressing his satisfaction, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that Prof. Onifade achieved a lot of feat in her tenure.
According to him,these include establishment of the library extension at the Prof. Wole Soyinka’s Ijegba Forestage. He added that aside from seizing the opportunity offered by Prof Soyinka to take library services to the people, Prof. Fehintola also produced eggheads since her inception as the University Librarian.
The Eminent Personality Lecturer who is the Former National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer, National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina in his lecture title; “Towards Making Nigeria a Knowledge Base Society”, declared that Nigeria is not yet a knowledge base society.
Stating the reason for this, he said that Nigeria is yet to meet global standard due to low technology, stressing that knowledge is the most important factor in the development of any nation.
In his explanation, he said, to make a nation a knowledge society, government must be ready to invest in the education of that county, adding that knowledge is important to human existence because it will help them make to make informed decisions for national development.
The Eminent Personality Lecturer, however called on Government at all levels to transform the country, stressing that despite the high intelligence of Nigerians we are limited due to lack of facilities.
Highlight of the day was the presentation of appreciation plaque to the Eminent Personality Lecturer and the presentation of Goodwill Messages by some Special Guest of Honour.
