Unilorin Don, Prof. Issa, Hails Lens Poly Offa at 3rd Library and Information Science Symposium

 The Department of Library and Information Science, Lens Polytechnic Offa Kwara State hosted its 3rd edition symposium at Lens University on Tuesday March 10 2026. 

The symposium held at the university auditorium aimed at promoting academic discussions and knowledge sharing among students, scholars, and information professionals. 

Speaking at the event, the institution’s librarian, who doubles as the host, Mr. Sheriff Banuso, acknowledged the presence of the guest lecturer from the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Ilorin, management, staff, and students who attended the program.

Mr. Banuso emphasized that the gathering was more than just an academic event, describing it as a merging of intellectual minds, professionals, scholars, and future information leaders reflecting on the evolving relevance of libraries in shaping human civilization.

While declaring the event open, the Rector of Lens Polytechnic, Dr. Mrs. Mulikat Bola Aliyu, appreciated the guest speaker, invited guests, and the school management for making the event a success. While urging the students to utilize the opportunity of the symposium to sharpen their career path, she acknowledged the students of Library and Information Science who recently emerged winners of a quiz competition against other tertiary institutions in Kwara.

Speaking on the theme 'Libraries and Librarianship As Signposts of Human Civilization: Myth or Reality,' the guest speaker, Professor Abdulwahab Olanrewaju Issa highlighted the historical development of books and information systems.

 In his presentation, Prof. AbdulWahab explained the concept of “antecedents,” talking about the early origins of books and writing before the modern book existed. 

He noted that written records are older than paper and printing, tracing their roots to ancient materials such as scrolls, papyrus, and clay tablets. He further described libraries as the “giant intellectual memory of all times,” emphasizing their enduring role as institutions responsible for selecting, acquiring, organizing, storing, retrieving, and disseminating information for the advancement of society.

Earlier in his opening remark, the Proprietor of Lens Institutions, Dr. Yisa Azeez FCA thanked the guest speaker and other invited guests for honoring the invitation. He remarked that the gathering created an opportunity for members of the academic community to discuss the big role of libraries in education and national development.

He therefore commended the school of art & information for organizing different academic programs to enhance institutional growth and development.