FUNAAB Pioneer Librarian Honours Mentors at Maiden Legacy Lecture, Calls for Digital Shift in Libraries

The Pioneer University Librarian of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Taofiq Mabayoje Salisu, has paid tribute to key figures who shaped his professional journey at the maiden edition of the Dr. T. M. Salisu Legacy Lecture.

The event, held on March 31, 2026, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, brought together academics, policymakers, and library professionals to reflect on the evolving role of libraries in national development.

Speaking at the lecture, Salisu recounted his career trajectory and acknowledged the influence of late Pa Sesan Dipeolu, late Sam Oderinde, and Nimbe Adedipe, whom he credited with identifying his potential early in life and steering him towards librarianship. He described his career as one defined by steady progress and institutional impact, noting his long-standing advocacy for the recognition of librarians as academic staff.

According to him, that campaign, which began in 1980, has now yielded results, with librarians attaining professorial status and playing more strategic roles within academic institutions.

Delivering the keynote address, Zakari Mohammed of Ahmadu Bello University stressed the urgency of digital transformation in libraries to sustain their relevance in a technology-driven world. Speaking on the theme, “Libraries in a Changing World: Repositioning for National Development,” he urged institutions to adopt digital tools such as artificial intelligence, online platforms, and mobile technologies to broaden access to information.

Mohammed identified persistent challenges including inadequate funding, low levels of digital literacy, poor infrastructure, and weak institutional collaboration. He called on stakeholders to prioritise investment in digital capacity, strengthen partnerships, and foster innovation to prevent libraries from becoming obsolete.

In a goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Babatunde Kehinde, described libraries as critical drivers of national development and emphasised the need for them to evolve into centres of knowledge creation and innovation. Represented by the University Librarian, Abayomi Owolabi, the Vice-Chancellor commended Salisu’s leadership in laying the foundation for the university’s Nimbe Adedipe Library.

Earlier, Bolanle Atulomah, Chairperson of the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Library Association, described the lecture as an important platform for intellectual discourse and the preservation of professional legacies in Library and Information Science.

Other speakers included Sarafa Tunji Ishola, who called for greater recognition of achievers during their lifetime, and Olusola Oyewole, who highlighted the global relevance of librarians in advancing research systems, particularly across Africa.

Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Abayomi Arigbabu, described Salisu as a multifaceted contributor to education and society, noting that his legacy continues to inspire.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including Ademola Bakre, Engr. Olufemi Omotayo, former University Librarian of FUNAAB, and Mulikat Salaam, alongside university librarians from across the country. Speakers emphasised the enduring importance of dedication, integrity, and commitment to knowledge in driving institutional growth and societal progress.