FUNAAB : Our library to be the best among equals – University Librarian

….. charges students to maximise the potentials of the University library.

The new Librarian of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Abayomi Kehinde Owolabi who assumed office on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 as the fifth (5th) substantive University Librarian of the prestigious University has reiterated his commitment towards making the library of the University the best among equals.

Dr Owolabi stated this during his visit to the nine Colleges of the University.

During the visit, Dr Owolabi interacted with the Deans of Colleges as well as staff and intimated them with his lofty visions for the University library.

The University Librarian equally seized the opportunity to encourage the students to be committed to their academics and take maximum advantage of the facilities of the University just as he asserted that the University has competent staff to provide guidance for the students in retrieving information for their assignments and research.

He assured the students that the University is committed to ensuring that the library is maximally utilised and that competent staff to assist the students are on ground between 8am – 7pm Monday to Friday; and 10am to 5pm on Saturday.

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In the same vein, the University Librarian used the opportunity to inform the students that the New University Library named after the Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka is open for use and hinted that more computers have been made available for students to use at Nimbe Adedipe Library to further enhance students access to digital information.

Dr Owolabi assured the students that the University under the leadership of the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. O B. Kehinde is irrevocably committed to ensuring that the students have access to quality materials to enhance their learning and research.

Dr. Owolabi, settling down to office as the fifth University Librarian of the University is trailing the giant strides of his predecessors who left indelible footprints in the annals of history of the University. Dr.Taofeek Salisu, a fine gentleman and unassuming administrator who served as the Pioneer University Librarian of the University was followed by Mr.A.T.Agboola who was succeeded by Dr.(Mrs.) Mulikat Salaam. Owolabi had received the mantle of leadership of the Nimbe Adedipe Library from Prof Fehintola Onifade, ValidViewNetwork reports.

The new University Librarian is a proud native of Ibadan,Oyo State and a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University where he graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Education (Second Class Upper Division) in 1999.

He proceeded to University of Ibadan in 2002 where he obtained Masters Degree in Library and Information Studies in 2004. He bagged his Doctor of Philosophy at University of Zululand, South Africa in 2016.

The new University Librarian has taught at virtually all levels of education. He was a Class Teacher (Master Grade III) at Federal Government Girls’ College, Sagamu from 2000 to 2005 where he taught English Language.

He made his foray into tertiary institutions in 2005 as Librarian 1 (Head Cataloguing Unit),Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo, Ebonyi State where he worked till 2009.

From October 11, 2009 till date, Dr.Owolabi has impacted positively and contributed immensely to the growth and development of FUNAAB in many capacities which include but not limited to :

Librarian 1: Librarian Cataloguing Unit
October 11th, 2009-March, 09th, 2013;

Librarian 1: Head, Readers’ Service Unit (Reference Librarian)
March 11th, 2013-July 11th, 2014;

Librarian 1: Head, Cataloguing Unit
December 12th, 2016 -April 1st ,2017;

Librarian 1: Head, College Libraries (College of Veterinary Medicine)
April 2nd, 2017 – July 30th, 2019;

Senior Librarian: Head, Institute for Human Resources Development Library.
August 1st, 2019 – November 14th, 2021;

Associate Professor: Department of Library and Information Science, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State (Sabbatical Leave).
November 15th, 2021 – November, 14th, 2022;

Associate Professor: Institute of Food Security Environmental and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) Library.

Head, Institute Library.
November, 17th, 2022- till date;

The 5th University Librarian has served the University in many capacities.These include:

• Secretary , Federal University of Agriculture Library Management Committee from 2018 till date;
• Member, ASUU Cooperative Multipurpose Society Electoral Committee from 2020 till date;
• Member, Library Review Panel on Promotion from 2023 till date;
• Secretary, Librarian Stand Point Committee from 2018 till date;
• Coordinator, Master Degree Programme in Library and Information Studies from 2018 to 2021;
• Chairman, Fund Raising Committee of Maiden Edition of Eminent Personality Lecture being organized by ‘Nimbe Adedipe University Library (2019);
• Chairman, Welfare Committee of ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library from 2011 to 2014 and
• Member, Editorial Board, ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library from 2011 to 2014.

Dr.Owolabi has attended many training programmes at home and abroad.

Dr.Owolabi has over 40 Research Publications to his credit. He has attended and presented papers at major international conferences.

The University Librarian is a community leader with passion for neighbourhood watch and mutual development that is deeply rooted in agape love, care for the aged,,youth empowerment and development.