Prof. Ojedokun Delivers ACU’s 30th Inaugural Lecture, Calls for Information Literacy in School Curricula

The 30th Inaugural Lecturer of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Prof. Ayoku Akanni Ojedokun, has called on the Nigerian government to integrate information literacy into the country’s educational system from primary school through university to equip citizens with the skills to combat misinformation and build a knowledge-driven society.

Prof. Ojedokun made the call while delivering ACU’s 30th Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

The lecture, titled “From Access to Empowerment: Navigating the Digital Age,” highlighted the growing importance of digital readiness and challenged the perception that providing internet access alone is sufficient to drive national development.

Prof. Ojedokun, a Professor of Library and Information Science, explained that the digital revolution has transformed societies and economies from industrial-based models to knowledge-based systems.

He noted that in the emerging digital landscape, the ability to effectively create, store, access and utilise information has become a critical driver of development and an essential requirement for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to him, “Information is the bedrock of sound decision-making, policy formulation, and educational advancement.”

He, however, warned that the enormous volume of information available in the digital age also presents significant challenges, stressing that citizens without the ability to evaluate and properly apply information could easily become overwhelmed or misled.

In a forward-looking recommendation, the university don called for Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy to be incorporated into information literacy education.

He acknowledged the enormous potential of AI tools but cautioned that excessive dependence on them could undermine critical thinking and independent analysis.

Prof. Ojedokun emphasised that addressing misinformation, ethical concerns and the growing danger of uncritical AI use is essential. He therefore advocated a curriculum that would teach students not only how to use AI but also how to think alongside it.

To translate the vision into practice, Prof. Ojedokun called on key regulatory institutions, particularly the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education, to play significant roles in institutionalising information literacy across Nigeria’s education sector.

He stressed the need for a structured approach that would move beyond occasional workshops and ensure that information literacy skills are incorporated into course objectives and assessments.

Prof. Ojedokun also urged the government and private sector to collaborate in bridging the digital divide.

He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in ensuring affordable internet access and access to modern technologies, describing digital inclusion as a fundamental pillar of national empowerment.

The professor further highlighted the strategic role of libraries and librarians as frontline champions of information literacy.

He called for practical training programmes to equip learners and professionals with relevant digital and information management skills.

He also stressed the need for regular training and retraining of workers through professional development workshops.

Concluding his lecture, Prof. Ojedokun maintained that empowering citizens with information literacy skills is essential for navigating information overload, combating fake news and functioning effectively in today’s information-driven society.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, who chaired the lecture, described Prof. Ojedokun as a determined academic who fought his way to the top.