VC Unveils Vision for World-Class Digital Library at UNIZIK
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the University Library into a modern, technology-driven knowledge hub through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity, sustainable power supply, and improved physical facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor gave the assurance when the University Librarian, Prof. Jacinta U. Eze, led members of the University Library management team on a courtesy visit to him at the Council Chamber.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Eze expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for granting them audience and for his continued support of the University Library. She disclosed that since assuming office, she had undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the library’s operations, identifying both its strengths and areas requiring urgent intervention.
According to her, the library is blessed with dedicated and highly committed staff who have already recorded remarkable achievements, including the rehabilitation of the library’s website, intensified awareness campaigns on the use of library resources, and the successful organisation of a three-day strategic capacity-building programme for library personnel.
She stated that the Library’s long-term vision is to transition from predominantly manual operations to a fully digital library system that meets global standards in teaching, learning, and research.
Prof. Eze, however, highlighted several challenges affecting the library’s optimal performance, including ageing infrastructure, deteriorating equipment, defaced walls, inadequate binding machines, poor internet connectivity, and insufficient staffing. She appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to assist in addressing these challenges to enhance service delivery.
Responding, Prof. Anyaehie commended the University Librarian for the remarkable progress recorded within her short period in office, describing her appointment as a wise and commendable choice. He assured the delegation that the University’s ongoing institution-wide development projects would significantly improve the library’s operations.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University’s solar power project was nearing completion and would soon provide stable electricity across the campus. He also revealed that work was at an advanced stage on the deployment of one of the most robust internet networks in the University’s history, noting that his administration remains focused on providing sustainable solutions that will benefit the entire institution.
He further assured the delegation that the concerns raised had been carefully noted and would receive the necessary attention, adding that plans were also underway to upgrade the library building as part of the University’s comprehensive infrastructure renewal programme.
Earlier in her vote of thanks, the Digital Librarian, Dr. Blessing Nnenna Otubelu, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for revitalising the University’s digital library initiative and for his unwavering commitment to digital transformation. She also advocated the establishment of a dedicated scholarly research space to provide staff and students with a conducive environment for academic research, while reaffirming the commitment of the library staff to supporting the University’s vision through dedicated service.
Also present during the visit were the University Public Relations Officer, Comrade Aloysius E. Attah; Dr. Nwona Nzewi, Medical Librarian; Dr. Victoria Ezejiofor, Serials Librarian; Dr. Angela I. Ndanwu, Africana Librarian; Mrs. Uju Nwafor-Orizu, Health Science Librarian; Dr. Obiozor Ekeze, Acquisition Librarian; Dr. (Mrs.) Okafor Kelechi, Circulation Librarian; and Mr. Onwuka Ogbonna Anya, Personal Assistant to the University Librarian.