Our door will always be open to NAISET – VC
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has assured the Nigerian Army Institute of Science, Education and Technology (NAISET), Sobi, Ilorin, of the University’s readiness to sustain and strengthen its collaboration with the institution.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Friday (August 28, 2026) when he received the students of NAISET who visited him in his office following the completion of their two-week Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
Speaking through the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Lere Adeyemi, the Vice Chancellor commended the University Librarian and the entire Library staff for providing the students with practical exposure to complement their theoretical knowledge. He described the University as a marketplace of ideas and the library as its brain box, noting its critical role in supporting teaching, learning, research and knowledge dissemination.
He said that the training aligned with the University’s Vision 1:10:500, which seeks excellence across all segments of the institution, adding that the NAISET students had gained valuable professional experience that would enhance their effectiveness when deployed to various military formations and institutions.
Prof. Egbewole reaffirmed the interest of the University in collaborating with relevant and impactful organisations, particularly those capable of contributing to national development in education, security and human capacity development.
Speaking earlier, the representative of the University Librarian, Mrs Florence Oteneku, described the relationship between the University Library and NAISET as a valuable synergy that had continued to provide military personnel and students with practical knowledge of librarianship.
Mrs Oteneku explained that the students were exposed to various divisions and units of the Library during their two-week attachment, enabling them to translate classroom theory into practical knowledge. She added that an assessment conducted during the training indicated significant improvement in the students’ understanding of library operations.
She urged the students to apply the knowledge acquired in their respective institutions, noting that the Library remained committed to supporting teaching, learning and research and would continue to provide a conducive environment for future trainees.
Speaking on behalf of NAISET, the Coordinator of the Basic Certificate Course in Library Science, Mr Adekola John Niyi, said the students were brought to the University of Ilorin Library specifically to gain practical experience after completing the theoretical aspect of their course.
Mr Niyi stated that the practical training was fundamental to library science, noting that theoretical knowledge without practical application would not adequately prepare students for professional responsibilities.
He, however, said the two-week programme exposed the students to different Library divisions and units and equipped them with practical skills needed for effective service in libraries within military formations.He appreciated the University Management and the resource persons, for their contributions to the success of the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the Commandant, Colonel A. A. Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the University for the hospitality and opportunity provided to the students and expressed hope for continued collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Lieutenant Colonel U. T. Ibrahim said the training had significantly broadened their understanding of library operations and its importance to universities and other institutions.
He noted that the practical sessions had enabled him and his colleagues to understand more clearly the relationship between classroom theory and professional practice, describing the programme as highly beneficial and engaging.
Joining the Vice Chancellor to receive the students from NAISET were the Registrar of the University of Ilorin, represented by the Deputy Registrar, Mrs Sherifat Temitope Saka-Lawal, and some staff members of the University Library which include a Principal Librarian, Dr Titilola Aminat Bayero Abdussalam; a Senior Librarian, Dr Zainab Olanihun Ambali and Mr Bakare Olasunkanmi.
