It was a memorable occasion and gathering of academics at the Department of School Library and Media Technology, University of Ibadan, venue of the book launch in honour of Dr. Olatunji Olaojo.
Scholars from various fields, ministers of God, Friends, Colleagues and Management and Staff of Oyo Sate College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora gathered to celebrate their own Dr. Olatunji Olaojo as they took turn in paying glowing tributes to the immediate past College Librarian for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora and the former Chairman, Nigerian Library Association (Oyo State Chapter), Dr. Pious Olatunji Olaojo who is a Staff of the University of Ibadan.
Dr. Olaojo was the College Librarian for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora between 2014 and 2018. He also served as the Chairman, Nigerian Library Association, Oyo State Chapter.
Speaking on the motive behind the book written in honour of Dr. Olaojo, the acting Librarian for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora Mr. Rasak Oyewo said the idea was conceived by Staff of OYSCATECH library in commemoration of excellent service of Dr. Olaojo as an accomplished Library Manager, Teacher and Mentor.
The book titled Theory & Practice of Library Management & Education was edited by Prof. Olufemi Aremu Fakolade and Dr. Akinniyi Ayobami Adeleke and reviewed by Dr. Aramide, the acting Head, Department of School Library and Media Technology.
The book is a compilation of autobiography of Dr. Pious Olatunji Olaojo and articles written by students, mentees, colleagues, co-workers and friends of Dr. Olaojo. It was written in recognition and appreciation of his impressive contributions to scholarship and administration in librarianship and education.
The twenty eight papers contributed by thirty one authors are categorized and arranged under five different themes, namely; Library Studies and ICT, Library Studies and Management, Library Studies and Entrepreneurship, Library Studies and Leadership and Indigenous Knowledge and General Knowledge.
According to Prof. Olufemi Fakolade, part-one of the book comprises of autobiography of Dr. Olaojo, while part-two has five sections which articulates the need to articulate the teaching- learning processes in library and education theory and practice with information and communications technologies and tools for enhanced delivery.
In his words, “section-two of the book focuses on management of academic libraries and factors that can lead to improved service delivery.
“The paper titled, From OYSCAI Library to OYSCATECH Library: a review of developmental process and bursary staff view point is of necessary attention because it discusses in specific terms, the sterling qualities of Dr. Olatunji Olaojo as a College Librarian in Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora. The paper articulates how Dr. Olaojo influenced the successful transformation of the Library to its present enviable status through accountability, prudent resource management and excellent people management skills,” he said.
The third section has a single paper which discusses the importance of incorporating library and information science curriculum with entrepreneurship education and training, while the fourth section comprises of two papers which focus on essential leadership qualities and competencies for effective and efficient library management of library institutions and organizations in Nigeria.
The papers in section five discuss the significance of indigenous knowledge to sustainable development and other sundry issues that are germane to educational development and overall well-being of a developing society such as Nigeria.
The duo of Prof. Fakolade and Dr. Ayobami Adeleke then congratulated all the contributors and Dr. Olaojo in whose honour the book was written.
The Honouree, Dr. Olaojo who could not hide his joy painstakingly took his time to appreciate all the contributors, editors, reviewers, family and friends who were available to grace the occasion despite the short notice.
The programme had in attendance, the acting rector for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Mr. Olaniyi Adekunle as the father of the day, the acting registrar, Mr. Paul Oyediran, acting Director of Works and Services, Engr. Fagbemi Agboola and other distinguished friends and scholars.
