The new University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Fehintola Onifade driving home her point with gesticulation during a brief interview after her appointment was confirmed.
The Governing Council of the University has approved the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Fehintola Onifade as the 4th University Librarian even as she promised to take ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library to the next level.
A release signed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. (Barr.) Aboki Zhawa informed that the appointment is for a single term of five years with effect from June 7, 2018. A Certified Librarian of Nigeria, Dr. Onifade bagged her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Masters in Library and Information Studies and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Library and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan.
Dr. Onifade is a Member of several professional bodies such as Nigerian Library Association, American Library Association, International Federation of Library and Information Association and Association of Women Librarians in Nigeria. Her research interest is in the field of Library and Knowledge Management, Emerging Technologies in Library and Information Science, as well as Learning Technologies.
The University Librarian has served in different capacities within and outside the University; they include Member, Time-Table Committee (TIMTEC) (2016 – 2017); Member, Information and Communication Technology Resources Centre (ICTREC) Board (2017); Member, Centre for Innovation and Strategy in Learning and Teaching (CISLT) (2015 – 2017); Treasurer, Nigerian Library Association, Ogun State Branch (2002 – 2006 and 2010- 2014); Member, Local Organising Committee, National Conference of Nigerian Library Association, Gateway, Abeokuta, (2005); Member, Exhibition Committee, ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library (2007); Representative of the University Librarian on the Post Graduate School Board (2009 – 2011 and 2013 – 2017); Representative of the University Librarian on COLANIM Board (2009 -2011 and 2013 – 2017) and Secretary, ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library Committee (2011 – 2017).
Dr. (Mrs.) Fehintola Onifade
Dr. Onifade also served as Coordinator, Research and Workshop Seminar, ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library (2010 – 2015); Member, Postgraduate School, In-House Committee on Needs-Driven Research (2015); Member, Editorial Board of Gateway Library Journal (2012 – 2017); Member, Editorial Board of International Journal of Library and Information Science (IJLIS), (2014 – 2015); Assistant Editor, Gateway Library Journal (2018); Chairperson, Local Organising Committee, AGORA and TEEAL Workshop (2015); Coordinator, Sister Library Initiative between ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library and the Valley Library, Oregon State University, Covallis, United States of America (USA), (2015 till date); Chairperson, Association of Women Librarian in Nigeria, Ogun State Branch (2016 till date); Member, Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International (1993 till date); Children Teacher, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Emmanuel Parish, Idi – Aba, Abeokuta (2017); Women Coordinator, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Emmanuel Parish, Idi – Aba, Abeokuta (2017), among others.
Her work experience before joining the services of the University include Reference Librarian, Simeon Adebo Library, Abeokuta (1996 – 1997); Librarian I, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (1997 – 1999) and Chief Cataloguer / Librarian I, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (1999 – 2001).
Dr. Onifade joined the services of the University in 2001 as Librarian I and rose through the rank until her appointment as the University Librarian.
She is a recipient of the Mortenson Associates Centre for International Library Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States of America. She won the International Association of Scientific and Technological University Libraries, Cape Town Travel grant in 2013, as well as the 14th Annual International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists, World Congress Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) grant in 2013.
Meanwhile, the new University Librarian has disclosed that her vision for the Library is to take it to the next level where digital content and comprehensive resources in all formats are available to users wherever they may be, in order to enrich the academic pursuit of students, as well as to enhance the research output from the University.