The recently concluded 2023 Annual Conference of the Nigeria Library Association (NLA) held in Awka, Anambra State, brought to the forefront a crucial call for increased collaboration to propel technological advancements in the country. The two-day event, hosted at Professor Kenneth Dike State Central E-Library, centered on the theme, “Let Us Collaborate: Working Together on Global Trends and Technological Advances.”
Dr. Njide Phina Onyekwelu, the Chairman of the occasion, underscored the indispensable role librarians play as the “architects of knowledge dissemination and guiding lights to information.” She emphasized the pivotal role of libraries in fostering skill enhancement, creativity, innovation, and research.
In her keynote presentation, Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, the Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), delved into the importance of information sharing and collaboration. Dr. Ngozi Perpetua Osuchukwu, the Chairman of NLA Anambra State and President of Wikimedia User Group, Anambra Network, echoed the same sentiment, expressing the association’s commitment to partnerships for common goals.
Notable figures who delivered goodwill messages during the conference included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo; Sir Paul Nwosu, the State Commissioner for Information; Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the State Commissioner for Education; and Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency.
Mr. Agbata emphasized the agency’s dedication to leveraging technology for educational enhancement. He announced a recent, yet strategic collaboration with the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) to connect all universities in Anambra State, ensuring affordable internet access, essential for research and library functions.
“This collaboration with the IXPN will ensure that all the universities in Anambra State are connected to what we call the internet exchange that will enable them access bandwidth at a minimum of 30% cheaper.
“The reason is that you cannot do research or library function today without high-speed broadband internet connectivity” Agbata concluded.
The conference concluded with the recognition and award presentations to outstanding individuals, including Sir Benjamin Okwuchukwu Uduji, Pastor Mrs. Ifeoma Abayol, Dr. Njide Phina Onyekwelu, Lady Obiageli Nnabugwu, Dr. Ezemba Nwabu, Dr. Uchechukwu Enweani, and Prof. Norbert Amaechi Agbanu. Additionally, the event celebrated doctoral degree holders within the NLA from 2020 to 2023, marking a significant moment of achievement and scholarly recognition.
The collective message from the conference was clear: collaboration is imperative for the advancement of technology and knowledge in Nigeria, and through unified efforts, the country can harness the benefits of global trends and technological innovations (MOI).
