The IASSIST Regional Conference held in Ghana
from 22nd to 24th October 2025 was a journey I had long awaited, one that had
been brewing in anticipation since May 2024, when my abstract was first
approved. The months leading up to the conference were filled with preparation:
research refinement, logistics planning, emotional readiness, and countless
mental rehearsals. I had initially planned to travel by road, driven by my love
for adventure and the idea of passing through three countries (Nigeria, Benin,
Togo and Ghana) before reaching my destination. The thought of such a
continental exploration thrilled me deeply. Yet, at the eleventh hour,
practicality outweighed sentiment, and I opted to travel by air, a decision
that turned out to be absolutely remarkable.
I arrived in Ghana
slightly past eight in the evening. Thanks to my seniors and professional
mentors, Dr Toun Oyelude, University Librarian at Olusegun Agagu University of
Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, and Dr Sophia Adeyeye, Head of
Department of Information Science, Lead City University, Ibadan, along with her
ever-pleasant friend, Lovely Bukkie, an elite apartment had already been
secured at Airport West. They were such wonderful companions: cheerful, warm,
and full of humour. My ride from the airport to the apartment was an early
glimpse into the heart of Accra: beautifully structured roads, orderly traffic,
elegant architecture, and a city illuminated with splendour. From above and on
the ground, Accra exuded sophistication and order. It was impossible not to
fall in love with what I saw.
The apartment was a
five-star residence; impeccably maintained, luxurious, and comfortable. It
wasn’t cheap, but then again, good things seldom come cheap. The accommodation
radiated elegance and provided the perfect environment to rest and prepare for
the days ahead. We arrived a day before the conference, which allowed us ample time
to acclimatise, plan our movements, rehearse our presentations, and sample
local cuisines.
The conference
venue was the Office of the Head of Local Government Services. Admittedly, my
initial expectation of what a “local government office” would look like was
quickly overturned. The building was breathtaking; modern, tiled, spacious, and
spotless. Its location was even more strategic: surrounded by iconic structures
such as the National Theatre, the Ghana Economic Academy, Afua Sutherland
Children’s Park, Ridge Church School & Accra Ridge Church, Ministry of
Business Development (Ghana), Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City and the
Children’s Affairs Secretariat among others . The entire district seemed like a
governmental and intellectual hub, a confluence of knowledge and civic
development.
The event commenced with an inspiring welcome address by the President of the IASSIST Africa Regional Chapter, Professor Constant Okello-Obura from Uganda from Uganda, followed by remarks from the Chapter Secretary, Dr Winny Nekesa, also from Uganda. The Global President of IASSIST, Bobray Bordelon, who is the Head of Data and Statistical Services and the Economics & Finance Librarian at Princeton University, United States of America, delivered a remarkable opening speech. He highlighted the focus of the association, its diverse professionals who make up the membership, its success in global data advocacy, and its peer-reviewed and indexed journal, IASSIST Quarterly (IQ). He also mentioned the rebated annual membership fee of $25 for Africans and emphasised the need to translate advocacy into action across Africa. Yet, my most memorable moment of the opening ceremony came from the keynote speaker, Professor Sandra Cannon, whose address centred on the indispensable role of data in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Her declaration that “there is no AI without data” struck a powerful chord. She stressed the need for Africa to treat data as a king; to collect, protect, and invest in it with the seriousness it deserves. This was a wake-up call, particularly for a continent still grappling with data governance and evidence-based decision-making.
Day One was rich and intellectually stimulating. Presentations flowed seamlessly, both physically and virtually, spanning a diverse range of topics; data literacy, artificial intelligence in information management, education data analytics, metadata automation, research data management, smart governance, open educational resources, and digital inclusion. Notable presentations came from esteemed scholars such as Dr Adetoun Oyelude and Professor Adefunke Ebijuwa, who delivered thought-provoking insights on the digital divide and open access in Africa.
A light breakfast
was followed by a delightful lunch that offered a vibrant blend of flavours and
textures; colourful rice, crisp salads, and banku, a local delicacies that left
a lasting impression. My presentation was originally scheduled for Day Two, but
as fate would have it, I was called to present on the first day. My topic, “Lost Knowledge, Found Future: Librarians
Connecting Community Herbal Healing Traditions through Digital Preservation and
Data Management,” explored how indigenous knowledge, particularly
traditional herbal medicine, could be preserved and shared through modern
digital technologies. I can hardly judge my own presentation, but the feedback
spoke volumes. Participants described it as one of the most engaging sessions,
commending both the content and visual appeal of my slides. The central
takeaway was the urgent need to digitally document Africa’s cultural and
medicinal heritage before it fades into obscurity, ensuring accessibility for
present and future generations.
The third and final day marked the grand finale. Experts delivered impactful recommendations on the future of data management in Africa, highlighting frameworks for sustainability, research data management (RDM), and policy-driven collaboration. There were engaging sessions led by scholars such as Dr Sophia Adeyeye and Taofeek Oladokun on building “data-ready librarians” and promoting communities of practice, as well as by Dr Osagie Oseghale on Community of Practice (CoP) in Africa. The highlight of the closing ceremony was the announcement of the Best Paper Award, which proudly went to our very own scholars; Professor Fehintoluwa Onifade and Dr Oyedokun Siddiqah of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. Their recognition was a proud moment for all the participants, reinforcing the African growing impact in data and information science research.
As the conference drew to a close, I had to prepare for my return flight scheduled for 5:45 a.m. Our team left the apartment around 1:20 a.m., navigating the city that seemed never to sleep. Bolt and Uber drivers were readily available, street lights glowed brightly, and every corner of the city felt secure. Accra, in that quiet pre-dawn hour, radiated tranquillity and efficiency. Arriving at the airport, I met a well-organised system; courteous security officers, attentive attendants, and seamless check-in procedures. The professionalism of the Ghanaian hospitality industry left a lasting impression. Though the city is admittedly expensive, I felt I had received value for every cedi spent. The experience was enriching and refreshing in every sense.
As I reflect on
those three unforgettable days, I am reminded that conferences are not just
about presentations and papers, they are about people, places, and
possibilities. Ghana, with its warmth, discipline, and charm, offered me a
renewed vision of Africa’s potential. Indeed, Akwaaba “welcome” is more than a greeting; it is a spirit,
one that makes you feel at home even miles away.
Azeez ADEOYE
Wizard Librarian
adeoyeazeezphd@gmail.com or
azeez.adeoye@fuhsi.edu.ng
Comments
Post a Comment