Bobrisky be shaking tables
So there’s this hot topic buzzing social media right now… You know how VeryDarkMan (VDM) has been on Bobrisky’s case lately, right? Plus, with Gistlover blog dropping those names of “gabriellas” recently, there’s been quite a stir about gender identity and social influence in Nigeria. Facebook and Twitter no dey calm at all! 😅
Looking forward to an upcoming, not so regular academic topic if you ask me: “Being Bobrisky Symposium: Agency, Subjectivity, and Politics” organized by The LSA African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and the University of Kansas, scheduled to hold via Zoom on 2nd of November 2024. That would be something else right? And here’s what got me writing: will VDM show up? 👀 See details of the announcement on Optimistic Scholar Blog,.
Let’s be real though, this is actually beyond Bobrisky. It’s more about how Nigeria is changing, how we’re having conversations we never used to have before. Whether we like it or not, Bobrisky has become a symbol of defiance against gender norms in Nigeria. Scholars are now gathering to discuss the complexities of agency and subjectivity and this I think will not just be the usual academic big grammars gathering, who knows, next will be project/dissertation topics about the influence of people like Bobrisky to society. A symposium like this can help us understand how influential celebrities like Bobrisky and the likes use their platforms to challenge societal expectations and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria. These kind of conversations can actually help build a more inclusive Nigeria, redefine self-expression and prepare us for the future.
If you’re interested in the conversation, not the drama… Just Register to participate
NLA IT SECTION HOLDS 18TH ANNUAL LITT WORKSHOP/CONFERENCE AT UNIABUJA
The Nigerian Library Association Information Technology Section held her 18th Library and Information Technology Today (LITT) Workshop/Conference at the University of Abuja from Sunday, October 13th and to Friday, October 18, 2024. The conference is an annual gathering of library professionals to expose them to new technologies and how such can be integrated to enhance library services. This year’s workshop/conference themed “Technology-Driven Libraries: Creating a Smart Future”, was a hybrid one which saw participation both physically and online. Furthermore, five 400-level students of Library and Information Science from different institutions were provided the opportunity to attend the conference through a scholarship scheme set up by the association.
Highlights of Each Day of the Conference/Workshop:
Day One
The day began with a welcome address from the host and chairman of the Nigerian Library Association Information Technology Section, Mr Agwu Patrick Uzodinma who said that Nigerian librarians must lead the way in digitising library activities.
This was followed by the session on paper presentation where librarians presented papers both physically and virtually on various topics touching on artificial intelligence and library services and received feedback from the audience.
Mr. Agwu Patrick enjoined the presenters to take note of the feedback from the audience and effect necessary corrections so they could re-submit their papers at the end of the conference.
Next was a session on “The Rise of Smart Libraries: Transforming Information Access” facilitated by Mr. Agwu Patrick where the audience was introduced to AI tools to help simplify basic library tasks as well as preparing power points.
After this was a session facilitated by Dr. Azeez Adeoye on “Unlocking Global Recognition Strategies for 21st Century Scholars to Boost Visibility, Impact Factor and H-index”. Among other valuable information, Dr. Adeoye stressed on the need for librarians to take advantage of various online platforms to boost their visibility. “An individual should strive for visibility in their field and connect that field to what is in trend,” he said. The session also provided practical demonstrations on how librarians could use these platforms (Google Scholar, ORCiD, etc).
The day ended with a PostgreSQL session facilitated by Dr. Sunday Tunmibi.
Day Two
Day two was the opening ceremony, which saw in attendance the acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, Prof. Philip Afaha; the University Librarian, UniAbuja, Prof. Ebele Anyaoku; the President and Chairman of Council, NLA, Lbrn. Pst. Dominic Amenaghawon Omokaro; West African Library Association (WALA) President, Dr. James O. Daniel; the former University Librarian, UniAbuja, Prof. Roseline Ifeoma Echezona; representative of the National Librarian/CEO of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Prof. Chinwe Anunobi; Representative of the Director, Education Resource Center Abuja, Hajiya Dr. Neemat D. Abdulrahim; former PRO, NLA, Aare Tunji Okegbola; amongst other important dignitaries.
The day featured a keynote address titled “Technology-Driven Libraries: Creating a Smart Future” delivered by Prof. Ebele Anyaoku who stated, among others, that library search tools have evolved from the traditional card catalogues to technology-driven tools like OPAC. The Co-Chairman of the opening ceremony, the University Librarian of Baze University, Abuja and President of WALA, Dr. James Daniel also gave a welcome address where he stated, amongst other key things, that libraries across the world are embracing new technologies. He charged librarians to continue, “exploring new technologies that can enhance the services we provide” as well as advocate “for policy reforms to ensure that libraries receive the necessary funding and basic infrastructure support.”
While delivering his remarks, the Chairman of the NLA IT Section, Mr. Patrick U. Agwu said “As we chart the course toward a smart future for libraries, it is crucial to keep our core mission in focus—serving our communities, enabling access to knowledge, and fostering lifelong learning for all. The solutions we explore this week will empower libraries to be more inclusive, resilient, and adaptive to the changing landscape.”
The DVC admin of UniAbuja representing the Acting VC was also invited to give an address where, amongst other things, he spoke about the problem of lack of funding of libraries. There was also an address from Lbrn. Pst. Omokaro, who amongst others, responded to the DVC admin’s statement about the problem of funding of libraries and the reason why the National Library building remained uncompleted, that it was due to the government’s failure to see economic value in libraries. Lbrn. Pst. Omokaro also shared his personal experience with artificial intelligence in a contactless hotel he’d lodged in and how that exposed him to the diverse nature of AI and commended the NLA-IT Section consistently enhancing the capacity of librarians in Nigeria. Furthermore, goodwill messages were received from Prof. Echezona who emphasised that AI has come to stay and librarians should know how to use it for enhanced activities; a representative of the National Librarian, Prof. Anunobi who commended President Omokaro for his advocacy for better facilities of the library; the University Librarian, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Stella Anasi who reminded librarians that “the day you stop learning is the day you start dying.”
The opening ceremony also featured a workshop session as well as presentation of excellence leadership awards to Lbrn. Pastor Dominic Omokaro, FNLA- National President and Chairman of Council, NLA; Prof. Chinwe Anunobi FNLA, National Librarian/ CEO, National Library of Nigeria and Hon. Sagir Ahmed Musa, Hon. Commissioner for Information, Youth Sport and Culture, Jigawa State. The highlight of the event was an educational display/playlet by 300-level students of Library and Information Science, UniAbuja.
Day Three
This kicked off with paper presentations as well as questions, critiques and commentaries from the audience. This was followed by workshop sessions. Engr. Seun Adewoye provided a practical workshop session on Cloud Computing – Amazon Web Services Management Console. Another practical session facilitated by Mr. David Oguche on how to create a WordPress.com website followed.
Day Four
This featured a session facilitated by Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian) titled “Driving Digital Transformation in Nigerian Libraries: Practical Skills for Today’s Librarians”. He took the participants on six different practicals, introducing them to various Digita/AI tools and how librarians can use these tools to automate library processes as well as opportunities in digital librarianship and content creation. In addition to this, he stressed that these AI tools should be used ethically and with transparency. The session was an interactive one as he opened the floor to comments and feedback from the audience during his teaching.
The session was followed by paper presentations and feedback from the audience about the presentation. Delegates resolved that the presenters should be given two weeks to effect the necessary corrections and then submit their papers.
The day also featured a continuation of the previous day’s session on how to navigate WordPress which was facilitated by Mr David Oguche.
Dr. Esther Gani facilitated a practical session on “Emerging Technologies: Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality” where she introduced the audience to less known and less utilized Google AI tools amongst Nigerian librarians. Mr Sylvester Ebhonu returned to wrap up his session by taking the audience on how librarians can integrate content creation with librarianship.
Mr. Agwu facilitated the final session on Cybersecurity and Privacy: Protecting Your Digital Footprint” and gave the closing speech.
The communique/report was presented by Ms. Elizabeth Tosanwunmi Tarre, a 400-level LIS student of the University of Ibadan and a beneficiary of the NLA LITT Scholarship Scheme.
The event came to an end with the presentation of certificates.
Demystifying Open Access: Join our Free Webinar for International Open Access Week 2024
Demystifying Open Access: Join Our Free Webinar for International Open Access Week 2024
The concept of Open Access seem common, simple, and even impacting the scholarly world in a very significant way, but it is still misunderstood by many. This should actually be a great concern not just for librarians, but scholars from all disciplines, government and other stakeholders. Open Access helps to make researchers’ outputs free and available to the public without any barriers for purpose of greater academic collaboration. The International Open Access Week is a rare opportunity to demystify open access and explore the future of scholarly publishing.
This year’s theme tagged: “Community Over Commercialisation,” will enable us look at how possible it is for us to prioritize community-driven initiatives over profit and creating equal access to knowledge. So, whether you’re a lecturer, researcher or librarian, or just someone passionate about the future of knowledge sharing, this is the conversation you need to be part of!
The Digital Librarian, the Upskill and Connect Village, Sarah Yop Gyang, Libsense Open Science Nigeria and Dr. Azeez A. Adeoye (experts in the area) are excited to host a free webinar to mark this global event. The webinar will feature two key presentations, then followed by an engaging panel discussion.
Date: Saturday 26th October, 2024
Time: 1:00pm (Nigerian Time)
You can participate in this webinar through any of the following platforms:
YouTube || Facebook || LinkedIn
Why should you join this webinar?
- You’ll gain insights from the presentations on open access, ethics and community-oriented knowledge sharing.
- The panel will feature open access advocates who will discuss the balance between community priorities and commercial interests.
- We will also be making a major announcement during the event. Content, which we’re previously closed/paid-for will now be freely accessible for professional growth in librarianship.
- We also plan to hold a live voting session where participants can vote on whether Nigerian academic institutions should fully embrace open access.
- Participation is free and open to everyone! Join the Upskill and Connect Village now
WATCH ON YOUTUBE NOW!
This is another opportunity to learn more about open access and be a part of the conversations that will shape the future of scholarly publishing.
SPREAD THE WORD!
Click here to learn more about the Upskill and Connect Village
Sylvester I Ebhonu (TheDL)
NLA President Receives Honorary Doctorate and Humanitarian Recognition
NLA President Receives Honorary Doctorate and Humanitarian Recognition
Over the weekend (on Saturday, 19th October 2024) at the University of Lagos, Akoka – Lagos State, the NLA witnessed another milestone achievement, as Lbrn Pastor Dominic Amenaghawon Omokaro (President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA)) was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Library and Information Science and got inducted into the Integrity Fellow Humanitarian Ambassador Hall of Fame Class of 2024 by the Anointed University Worldwide, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Dr. Hajiya Neemat D. Abdulrahim, a member of Council of the University, while reading the President’s citation, described the NLA President as “a man with Fragrance of Integrity.” Many people who have worked with him would agree with this.
Congratulations to our dear President on these well-deserved honours!
Feel free to share a word of congratulations for our own!
SING YOUR PROFESSION and WEAR YOUR PROFESSION!!!
https://thedigital-librarian.com/product/wear-your-profession-with-pride/
Singing the Anthem of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA)
Singing the Anthem of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA)
When professional associations adopt an anthem, it becomes more than just a melody to the members. As a member of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), singing our anthem, gives me a strong sense of purpose to a greater call – ‘A Call to serve humanity.’
The NLA anthem was composed by Dr. Chinemerem Clement Ukangwa and it reflects so much of the kind of Librarian Nigeria truly needs, it emphasizes quality service and literacy for all and can actually serve as a guide and inspiration for us. The more we sing it together, knowing the lyrics and tone, the stronger I believe our professional unity becomes. Hence, there is need for Library and Information professionals, as well as LIS students to memorize and internalize this anthem, because the lyrics of the anthem is not just motivating, but reminds us of the core values and responsibilities of the profession, including need for us to promote literacy.
NLA ANTHEM LYRICS:
Nigerian Library Association
We are called to serve humanity
In humility, sharing knowledge
With Cheerfulness and Kind heart
Quality Information Services
to our patrons is our mandate
In research, we are there
In development, we are there
In innovation, we are there
We’ll live true to our call
LITERACY FOR ALL!!!
HOW TO SING THE NLA ANTHEM
Dr. C.C. Ukangwa is a librarian at Laz Otti Memorial Library, Babcock University. He donated the anthem, which was officially launched on Tuesday, 5th, July, 2022 during the opening ceremony of the 60th Annual Conference and AGM of the Nigerian Library Association. In recognition of his exemplary commitment to the association, a Presidential Merit Award was presented to him by the NLA President and Chairman of Council – Lbrn Pst. Dominic A. Omokaro on the 10th July, 2024 in Rivers State during the 62nd Annual Conference and AGM. Recently (on October 1st, 2024) he did a cover for the new Nigerian National Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, and this truly demonstrates his commitment not just to the NLA, but to musical excellence and national service.
Every time we sing “Literacy for All,” let it not just be a conclusion of the anthem, let it be us reaffirming our commitment to a more informed and enlightened Nigeria.
We can practice the anthem by incorporating it not only to professional gatherings, but our personal daily routines, library school, and connecting each line to the work we do as librarians.
WEAR YOUR PROFESSION!!! https://thedigital-librarian.com/product/wear-your-profession-with-pride/
Sylvester I. Ebhonu
