By Abubakar Imam
The University Librarian, University of Ilorin, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, has said that the University Library is doing everything within its province to make the upcoming 50th anniversary of the University quite memorable.
Prof. Omopupa stated this last Tuesday (October 14, 2025) while featuring on Countdown to UNILORIN @ 50, a personality interview programme of UNILORIN 89.3 FM. The programme was jointly anchored by the Head of the Station, Mr Idris Akintola Ibrahim(Idris Alooma) and Mr Oyakhire Ikhuemein.
As part of the preparation for the anniversary, Prof. Omopupa explained that the Library is currently building a galleria that would house and preserve all the major milestones recorded by the University in the last 50 years.
Prof. Omopupa said the celebration of the establishment of the University is also the celebration of the birth of the institution’s Library.
He explained that there is no way the history of the University will be told without adequate reference to the University Library considering the roles it has played in the evolution and sustenance of the University.
He added that the University Library is one of the key segments with which the University started in 1975.
Prof. Omopupa said that the University Library is one of the most resourceful libraries in Nigeria, saying that the Library does not only have up-to-date materials but is also manned by well-trained and committed staff who are prepared to offer its patrons quality services.
He added that the University has no fewer than 31 academic librarians many of whom possess doctorate degrees in the field of Library and Information Science while about 10 of such staff are currently pursuing the highest academic qualification either in local or foreign universities, saying that only few university libraries could boast of such quality staffing
Responding to a question, Prof. Omopupa explained that the University Library has not only been serving students and staff of the University, it has also been service but members of the public, particularly those from the University host community.
The don said that the University Library has been supporting educational institutions within and around Ilorin with donation of relevant resources in books and journals, among others.
He assured all that the University Library would continue to train staff of educational institutions around Ilorin on efficient library services.
While thanking the management of the Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque Library for donating some books to the University Library, Prof. Omopupa also thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for their generous support to the University Library.
