MOAU Library Honours Ekoja, Holds Special Seminar on AI and Legal Librarianship

The Library and Information Services of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAU), has honoured the outgoing University Librarian, Professor Innocent Isa Ekoja, for his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the University Library and for his pivotal role in revitalising the Library Seminar Series.

The Special Library Seminar Series and Award Presentation, held on Tuesday, 28th July, 2026, at the Window on America, MOAU Library and Information Services, marked the final seminar organised under Professor Ekoja’s leadership. The occasion featured the presentation of a Special Award of Excellence and Institutional Legacy in recognition of his exceptional service, visionary leadership, and enduring contributions to the University library system.

The event was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Terseer Alabar, and attended by Principal Officers, senior academics, librarians, students, and other members of the University community.

The seminar, themed “Re-defining Excellence: Strategic Capacity Building for Law Librarians in a Transforming Legal Education Landscape,” was delivered by Dr. Raphael Gabriel Okplogidi.

In his presentation, Dr. Okplogidi highlighted the increasing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in the effective discharge of librarians’ responsibilities, particularly within an increasingly digital academic environment. He urged librarians to acquire the competencies required to harness AI responsibly and strategically in support of teaching, learning, research, and knowledge management.

According to him, librarians, especially law librarians, must develop five critical competencies in the AI era: prompt specialists, verification architects, hybrid learning curators, ethical monitors, and data stewards. He explained that these competencies would enable librarians to remain professionally relevant, safeguard the integrity of information, and provide effective support to researchers and students in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Dr. Okplogidi further noted that the future of legal librarianship would depend largely on continuous professional development, technological adaptability, and ethical information management. He encouraged librarians to embrace lifelong learning and collaborative innovation as essential strategies for sustaining excellence in legal education and library services.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Eugenia Member George-Genyi, described Professor Ekoja as a scholar and administrator of high repute whose contributions to the University would continue to be remembered for many years.

Also speaking, the Director of Window on America, Dr. Doosuur Ashaver, described the outgoing University Librarian as a distinguished scholar and administrator who had contributed immensely to the development of the University Library and to the advancement of academic activities within the institution.

In his response, Professor Ekoja expressed profound appreciation to the University Management, colleagues, and members of the University community for the honour bestowed upon him. He thanked the Library and Information Services for recognising his contributions to the development of the University Library and to the institutionalisation of the Library Seminar Series.

Professor Ekoja stated that the award was both an encouragement and a reminder that meaningful institutional progress is achieved through collective commitment, teamwork, professionalism, and dedication to service. He also expressed confidence that the University Library would continue to play a pivotal role in supporting teaching, learning, research, and community service under the leadership of his successor.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Terseer Alabar, commended the Library and Information Services for organising the special seminar in honour of Professor Ekoja. He noted that the occasion was not only a celebration of the outgoing University Librarian but also an opportunity to acknowledge the far-reaching impact of his service to the University.

Professor Alabar reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research. He specifically assured librarians and library users of his determination to ensure a steady electricity supply to the University Library in order to enhance reading, research, digital access, and other academic activities.

The Vice-Chancellor further emphasised that libraries remain the intellectual hub of any university and reiterated the commitment of the University Management to strengthening library infrastructure, expanding access to digital resources, and promoting staff development in line with global best practices.

The event also featured goodwill messages from colleagues and associates, who paid glowing tributes to Professor Ekoja’s humility, diligence, mentorship, and dedication to scholarship and institutional development.

The seminar and award presentation formed part of activities marking the conclusion of Professor Ekoja’s tenure as University Librarian and underscored the University’s commitment to recognising excellence, promoting innovation in librarianship, and strengthening academic support services for sustainable educational development.