…..VC tasks new inductees on professionalism and ethics of librarianship_
The Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has inducted fifty four (54) graduating students of the Department of Vocational and Technical Education (Library and Information Science) into the Nigerian Library Association (NLA).
The maiden induction and oath-taking ceremony, held at the Conference Room of the Faculty, had as its theme, “Building a Culture of Excellence and Compliance with Library and Information Science Profession.”
Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor T.K. Akinwamide, congratulated the inductees for their resilience, commitment to learning and exemplary character throughout their undergraduate studies.
Professor Ayodele described the induction “as a significant milestone in the University’s efforts to ensure that its graduates are adequately prepared for professional practice in their chosen fields”. He noted that “the initiative would expose the inductees to the requisite professional knowledge, ethics and standards needed to excel in an increasingly competitive professional environment.”
The Vice-Chancellor urged the new members to remain worthy ambassadors of EKSU and uphold the ethics, values and professional standards of librarianship as prescribed by the Nigerian Library Association. He stressed that, as custodians and gatekeepers of knowledge and intellectual resources, librarians play critical roles in promoting teaching, learning, research and access to credible information in tertiary institutions and the wider society.
In her address and words of inspiration to the inductees, the Ekiti State University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) M.A. Aboyade, described the induction ceremony as an important bridge between academic training and professional practice, providing the graduating students with a stronger sense of professional responsibility. She urged the inductees to prioritise continuous learning, embrace emerging technological trends and adhere strictly to professional ethics in the rapidly evolving Library and Information Science profession.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Library Association, Ekiti State Chapter, and University Librarian, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti, Dr. (Mrs.) Sowemimo Adekunmisi, who administered the oath of allegiance to the inductees, advised them to embrace professionalism, integrity and compliance with established standards as they transition from the classroom to professional practice.
The guest lecturer, Dr. Adegbilero Iwari, Deputy University Librarian, Afe Babalola University, (ABUAD),Ado-Ekiti, emphasised the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in broadening the inductees’ understanding of digital librarianship. He observed that the Library and Information Science profession was undergoing rapid transformation, driven by emerging technologies, changing user expectations and increasing demands for transparency and professionalism.
Dr. Iwari advised the inductees not to limit themselves to traditional library services but to explore opportunities for developing innovative information services that respond to the changing needs of society. He encouraged them to demonstrate the important contributions librarians can make to education, research, business, governance and community development.
He further urged the new professionals to see technology not as a replacement for librarians but a powerful tool for expanding their relevance, improving access to information and delivering more efficient and user-centred library services.
The ceremony also featured words of inspiration and a farewell speech by the best graduating student of the Department of Vocational and Technical Education (Library and Information Science).
Among the notable guests at the event were the representative of the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr. Ayo Olatunde; Professor E.O. Adepoju; Professor J.O. Oke; Dr. M.A. Aina; executive members of the Nigerian Library Association, Ekiti State Chapter; and students of the University.