Admiralty University of Nigeria’s Wiki Fan Club Excels at WUGN Community Leaders Retreat

A small idea born in the university library has blossomed into a notable achievement for Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Lagos. With the Vice-Chancellor’s approval, the University established an official Wiki Fan Club, inspired by students’ engagement in the library’s Wiki in School Programme.

Guided by the University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) G.N. Onyia, the initiative has evolved from structured learning sessions into sustained scholarly contribution, enabling students to strengthen research skills, digital literacy, and academic confidence while responsibly contributing to global knowledge platforms.

The club’s application to the Wikimedia User Group Nigeria (WUGN) was successfully selected among entries from institutions nationwide. Representing ADUN at the 2026 WUGN Community Leaders Retreat in Lagos State, club President Okafor Marvelous participated in leadership training covering grant management, financial accountability, and strategic community building. The retreat provided practical insights now shaping the club’s governance, planning, and sustainability initiatives on campus.

Back at ADUN, the club’s impact is tangible. Members have created and expanded Wikidata profiles for university lecturers, ensuring accurate representation of the institution’s scholarly contributions in global knowledge repositories. The team continues to contribute rigorously across Wikimedia projects, promoting research collaboration and knowledge sharing.

During the recent Bookish Valentine campus event, President Okafor Marvelous and Vice President Ifeanyi Anita Ayodamola shared the club’s journey and invited students to join the effort to advance open knowledge. The event also featured a moment of recognition, as the club presented a commemorative souvenir from WUGN to staff advisor Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu in appreciation of his mentorship and unwavering support.

From a guided library programme to national recognition, Admiralty University’s Wiki Fan Club stands as a model of student initiative supported by institutional mentorship, fostering research excellence, collaboration, and responsible contribution to global knowledge.