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…Provost Atungwu Receives Nigeria Library Association, Oyo State Chapter
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBADAN, NIGERIA – Monday, October 27, 2025: The Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, has reaffirmed the College’s commitment to strengthening both its physical and electronic library systems to enhance students’ access to knowledge and promote a vibrant reading culture across the institution.
According to a statement e-signed and made available to StarTrend Int’l Magazine and Online Platform by Wilson Oyekemi, Head, Public Relations Unit of the College, Prof. Atungwu gave this assurance while welcoming members of the Nigeria Library Association (NLA), Oyo State Chapter, who paid a courtesy visit to the institution on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Prof. Atungwu, 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, expressed profound appreciation for the visit and commended the Association for its dedication to the development of libraries and information services in Nigeria.
The Provost emphasized his belief in professionalism and continuous improvement in library practice, recalling his experience as part of the Governing Board that appointed a Professor as Librarian at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
He reiterated the College’s support for both physical and digital library systems, noting that e-learning tools expose students to global trends, thereby broadening their intellectual horizons.
In recognition of the importance of professional development, Prof. Atungwu also approved sponsorship for staff members who are NLA members to attend the forthcoming OYO 2025 NLA Conference.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. A.A. Oshunkoya, who represented the State Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Sofia Adeyeye, commended the Provost and the College Management for their hospitality and for their continued support toward the establishment of Library and Information Science as an academic programme in the College.
Oshunkoya noted that this initiative provides valuable opportunities for young students aspiring to build careers in librarianship and information management.
He explained that the visit was also aimed at identifying and interacting with NLA members currently working within the College community.
However, Oshunkoya expressed surprise that the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB) and the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPTIB) still share library facilities with the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T).
He emphasized the need for each institution to establish its own functional library while maintaining academic collaboration with IAR&T.
According to him, “A functional library is at the heart of learning. While ICT has its place in education, the foundation of knowledge still lies in books — because what we read is what we eventually put online.”
He appealed to the Provost to support NLA members from the College who will be participating in the Association’s upcoming Annual Conference, scheduled to hold in Oyo, from November 17 to 20, 2025, describing it as a crucial platform for professional growth and knowledge exchange.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Abimbade S. Abass, the College Registrar, appreciated the NLA delegation on behalf of the Management and staff. He assured the Association of the College’s readiness to collaborate with the NLA to advance library and information services in the institution and beyond.
The visiting delegation was led by the State Chapter Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Sofia Adeyeye, ably represented by Mr. A.A. Oshunkoya (Ex-Officio), Mr. Taofeek A. Oke, and Mr. S.B. Jimoh.
