The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has charged librarians in the Nigerian universities to be on their toes and think out of the box in the delivery of effective library and information services for learning.
He said the evolution of the library systems has changed the roles and abilities required of them, as such, they must constantly obtain new skills to stay relevant and respond to the developments and changes in the university system.
Peters gave this charge on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 while delivering his opening remarks at the 108th Biannual Meeting of the Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU), which took place at the NOUN Central Library, University Headquarters, Abuja.
The VC, who was the chief host, described the theme of the meeting “CCMAS: Implications for Library Development in Nigerian Universities,”as apt and timely, saying that Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) “has been on the top agenda of universities in Nigeria and we have never had a more elaborate process in determining the minimum academic standards for Nigerian universities until now.
“You are primarily the custodians of CCMAS in all Nigerian universities, therefore, you role in understanding the concepts and implications of CCMAS cannot be overemphasised. Thus, you could not have chosen a better theme for this meeting.
“As librarians you cannot restrict your horizon, the function of your various offices is being expanded by day-to-day activities and findings that are outside our purview, which we have to react to at the end of this conference.”
He commended the executives of the association for a job well done and thanked them for the hosting choice of NOUN.
On her part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, TIR, Prof. Monioluwa Olaniyi, also challenged the participants to brainstorm on how to make research more relevant.
She said review of curriculum cannot be carried out without appropriate research to serve as a compass to give direction, and appealed to them to endeavour to make information and research results more accessible and relevant.
Earlier, the Chairman, Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU), Prof. Jibril Attahiru Alhassan, in his welcome address, said the theme of the 2-day conference was carefully selected to be abreast of development in the curriculum reform in the Nigerian university education system.
Alhassan said while the university is conducting research to ameliorate societal problems, the library plays its roles of providing and managing the required information and knowledge.
He appreciated NOUN management for their prompt approval to host the association’s conference.
The Guest Speaker, who is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of NOUN Governing Council, Emeritus Prof. Peter A. Okebukola, delivered a lecture titled: “CCMAS: Implications for Library Development in Nigerian Universities.”
CCMAS was introduced by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to restructure and replace the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS), with the aim to re-examine existing and introduce new disciplines and programmes into the Nigerian university system.
This, it is hoped, will stimulate greater learning through its delivery to produce fit graduates and provide essential foundation for lifelong learning, nature’s deep thinkers, problem solvers and graduates highly skilled in their professions and disciplines.
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