Library plays indispensable role in university system– Egbewole
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has described the library as an indispensable component of the University system, saying that it plays critical role in the generation, preservation and transmission of knowledge.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Tuesday (October 6, 2026) when the leadership of the Medical Library Association of Nigeria (MLAN) paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the Association’s 15th National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) hosted by the University.
Speaking through the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, the Vice Chancellor said the library plays a central role in supporting the activities of universities, particularly by providing students and researchers with access to knowledge and scholarly resources.
He noted that scientific research requires adequate library support, as researchers need relevant literature and information before proceeding to the laboratory and other stages of their research.
Prof. Egbewole, therefore, called for continuous development of library services and professional activities that would enhance the capacity of libraries to effectively support scientists, researchers and students.
He also urged the MLAN to strengthen its collaborations and networks, particularly with international partners, to ensure that specialised research materials and resources are made available locally.
The Vice Chancellor said that such collaborations would help Nigerian researchers access resources that they might otherwise have to seek abroad, thereby strengthening research and scholarship within the country.
Speaking earlier, the Chairperson of MLAN, Dr Violet E. Ikolo, explained that MLAN, a section of the Nigerian Library Association, was established to provide specialised professional development for librarians serving clinicians, doctors, medical students, health researchers and other healthcare professionals.
Dr Ikolo, who is of the College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, said that MLAN was formally inaugurated in Nigeria in 2008 and had since provided a platform for medical librarians to share experiences, address professional challenges, exchange ideas and improve information services in the health sector.
The Chairperson added that the Association collaborates with the Medical Library Association in the United States and organises training programmes on emerging trends in medical practice and how best to serve healthcare professionals.
She said the 15th National Conference and AGM would provide opportunities for professional training, interaction and networking, with participants joining physically and virtually from different parts of the country.
Dr Ikolo expressed appreciation to Prof. Egbewole and the University management for approving the hosting of the Conference and providing the necessary support for its successful organisation.
