My Experience at the 63rd Conference and AGM of the Nigerian Library Association, “The Heartbeat” — Benin City, Edo 2025

My Experience at the 63rd Conference and AGM of the Nigerian Library Association, “The Heartbeat” — Benin City, Edo 2025

By

Azeez ADEOYE, Wizard Librarian, azeez.adeoye@fuhsi.edu.ng.

Academic conferences are a must-attend for every professional. Their importance cannot be overemphasized—they are avenues to rejuvenate, upskill, relearn, evaluate one’s value, network, volunteer, and reconnect with colleagues.

The ongoing NLA Edo 2025 Conference is all these and even more. The theme of the conference, “The 5th Industrial Revolution and the future of Library and Information Service Delivery in a changing world,” is both timely and globally relevant. The keynote speaker, Prof. Prof. Afeisimi Dominic Badaki, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, did thorough justice to the topic. He emphasized that despite the rise of Artificial Intelligence, skilled and tooled librarians remain irreplaceable in the journey toward smart societies.

From Day One, the conference was packed with numerous rewarding, impactful, and engaging activities. The ideas shared and papers presented offered a clear roadmap for reimagining our libraries. Topics included Artificial Intelligence in libraries, leadership, job satisfaction, career fulfillment, library spaces, smart library innovation, and administration. These are not just theoretical discussions but practical solutions grounded in years of experience—solutions we need to overcome the challenges facing Nigerian libraries today.

The conference also provided an opportunity to meet people of high caliber—erudite scholars and seasoned technocrats who have shaped the Nigerian (and African) library ecosystem. Notably, Prof. Ifidon, an epitome in the field of library science, celebrated his 86th birthday during the event. We also drew from the vast wisdom of Prof. L. O. Aina, who encouraged wholehearted commitment to librarianship and highlighted the dollar-earning potentials of the profession through writing, indexing, and publishing.

Dignitaries abounded—governor’s representatives, vice-chancellors, ministers of education, commissioners, national librarian, heads of libraries, business tycoons, and many others. It was truly an event not to be missed.

The cultural richness of the Benin people added the icing on the cake. The impressive cultural displays during the interludes and the full cultural night were truly unforgettable. I tasted tradition at its best—particularly the delicious corn-based food—alongside the warm cheerfulness of the Edo people.

Another highlight was the exhibition grounds, where major players in library services showcased their innovations: Havilar, National Library Trust Fund, EBSCOhost, Action Library Technology, Rombic, NPL Publishing, Oxford University Press, and many others. It was a beautiful and enriching experience.

Perhaps the most fulfilling part was the social networking—finally connecting faces to names. Social media has made remote work and collaboration easier, but this conference offered a priceless opportunity to meet, in person, the beautiful minds we’ve worked with from afar. I was overjoyed to meet and connect with so many colleagues, including: Sylvester, the digital librarian, Dr. Fatimah Abduldayan, University Librarian, Marine University, Pastor Dominic, NLA President, Dr. Violet, MLA Chairperson, Dr. Obim, NLA IT Coordinator…and many others too numerous to list here.

It was also a time to reconnect with mentors, leaders, and past colleagues—my Oyo NLA family, my Ph.D. supervisor Prof. P. O. Olaojo, FNLA, Dr. Sophia Adeyeye (Chairperson, Oyo NLA), my former students (both undergraduates and postgraduates from Lead City University), Patrick Agwu (IT Chair), my Ph.D. classmate Dr. Bola Olatoye, and my new NLA family in Osun: Mr. Omoba Ogie, the cheerful Dr. Babatunde, Ire Polytechnic Librarian, among others.

I was blown away when I met Dr. Charis Onuoha and Dr. Doris Obiano from Owerri—co-authors and collaborators with whom I’ve published over three highly cited papers since 2020. We’ve worked together for five years, and this conference finally gave us the chance to meet in person.

Without a doubt, I sincerely appreciate these moments, the events, and the lasting memories. NLA Conference Edo 2025 was a game-changer. I will always look back and be deeply grateful that I attended and participated fully.

I close this reflection with heartfelt appreciation to my University Librarian, Mrs. B. O. Asubiojo, FNLA, for her role in ensuring I could attend this event. I also thank the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun for generously sponsoring my participation. I thank God for the journey of my profession. If I had the opportunity to choose a career path again, librarianship would forever top my list.

Thank you all.

Yours in magical world of knowledge,

Dr. Azeez ADEOYE

Wizard Librarian

9th July, 2025