PROFESSOR ABAYOMI OWOLABI, THE FUNAAB UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN, RANKED 17TH MOST PRODUCTIVE LIS AUTHOR IN NIGERIA — SCOPUS 2022–2026 REPORT

The University Librarian of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Owolabi Kehinde Abayomi, has emerged as the 17th most productive author in Library and Information Science (LIS) in Nigeria for the period 2022 to 2026, according to a ranking based on Scopus data up to September 27, 2026.

The recognition places Professor Owolabi among the top 20 LIS scholars in the country, drawn from a cohort of more than 500 researchers, highlighting his growing scholarly visibility and contribution to the advancement of library and information science.

The ranking assessed the research output of LIS scholars across Nigeria under the All Science Journal Classification (ASJC), using key indicators including publication output, citation counts, h index and the recency of scholarly publications.

According to the report, Professor Owolabi recorded seven scholarly publications, 63 citations and an h index of five, with his most recent publication indexed in 2026.

Appointed the fifth substantive University Librarian of FUNAAB in June 2023, Professor Owolabi combines academic research with strategic leadership at the University’s Nimbe Adedipe Library (NAL). His research interests include the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to library operations, electronic information resources management and knowledge organisation.

His professional engagements reflect a commitment to strengthening the role of modern academic libraries in teaching, learning and research, particularly through digital library development, improved access to electronic information resources and enhanced research support services.

ADVERTISEMENT

Reacting to the recognition, Professor Owolabi expressed profound appreciation to Dr. Mrs. Olawanle M. Salami and Dr. R. O. Attama, whom he credited with providing valuable training, guidance and professional foundations during the early stages of his career.

He acknowledged their contributions to his development as a researcher and academic librarian, noting that scholarly achievements are often built on the knowledge, encouragement, mentorship and opportunities provided by others.

READ ALSO : https://validviewnetwork.com/funaab-reaffirms-commitment-to-supporting-afued-library/

For Professor Owolabi, the ranking represents not only personal recognition but also an opportunity to celebrate those who invested in his professional growth and helped shape his academic journey.

The achievement further highlights the importance of sustaining scholarly productivity while undertaking the demanding responsibilities of university library administration. University librarians increasingly play strategic roles in research discovery, information management, digital transformation and the visibility of institutional scholarship.

Professor Owolabi also acknowledged the support of FUNAAB’s management, colleagues, mentors and research collaborators, whose contributions have supported his professional journey.

He remains committed to strengthening Nimbe Adedipe Library’s contribution to the University’s academic mission while promoting research excellence and expanding access to knowledge.

As universities increasingly measure their global influence through research, innovation and knowledge sharing, Professor Owolabi’s recognition offers a timely reminder that the library is far more than a repository of books. It is a powerhouse of scholarship, and its leadership can help shape the future of research in Nigeria.