The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), recently played host to members of the Nigeria Library Association (NLA), Oyo State Chapter, who paid a courtesy visit to the Provost and other members of the Association who are staff of the College.
The visiting team was led by the Chairman of the Oyo State Chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) Sofia Adeyeye, ably represented by Mr. A.A. Oshunkoya (Ex-Officio), Mr. Taofeek A. Oke, and Mr. S.B. Jimoh.
In his welcome address, the Provost of the College, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for the visit. He assured the team that the College remains committed to strengthening both its physical and electronic library systems to enhance students’ access to knowledge and promote a strong reading culture among them.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, Mr. Oshunkoya thanked the Provost and the College Management for the warm reception and for their support in establishing Library and Information Science as a course within the institution. He noted that this development provides a great opportunity for young students aspiring to pursue a career in librarianship.
He further explained that the visit was also aimed at checking on NLA members working within the College. Mr. Oshunkoya expressed surprise that the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB) and the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPTIB) currently share the same library facilities with the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T). He emphasized the need for each Institution to have its own dedicated library while maintaining collaboration with IAR&T.
According to him, “A functional Library is at the heart of learning. While ICT has its importance, the foundation of knowledge still lies in books — because what we read is what we eventually put online.”
He then appealed to the Provost to support NLA members in the College, who will be attending the forthcoming Annual Conference in Oyo, scheduled for November 17th to 20th, 2025, describing it as an important opportunity for professional development and knowledge exchange.
In his response, Prof. Atungwu, who was accompanied by Dr. Musiliu Adenekan (Deputy Provost, Administration), Mr. Abimbade S. Abass (Registrar), Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Oshunkoya (Head, College Library), Dr. Adeniran Adebayo (Director, Academic and Strategic Planning), and other members of staff, thanked the visitors for their commitment to library development.
The Provost reaffirmed his belief in professionalism and continuous improvement in library services, citing his experience as part of the Governing Board that appointed a Professor as a Librarian while at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). He reiterated his strong support for both physical and digital libraries, noting that e-learning serves to expose students to global knowledge and trends.
Prof. Atungwu also granted approval for staff members who are members of the Association to attend and be sponsored for the upcoming OYO 2025 NLA Conference.
In his closing remarks, the College Registrar, expressed appreciation to the NLA delegation on behalf of the College Management and staff. He assured them of the College’s readiness to collaborate with the Association for the advancement of library and information services.
The visit was concluded with a group photograph session.
Credit: Wilson Oyekemi
