This post was generously contributed by Professor Adefunke Sarah Ebijuwa, University Librarian at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria, and a Member of the IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section.

Introduction

I often say that working in a university library in Nigeria isn’t for the faint-hearted, but leading one at a university of technology? That’s a calling all on its own.

As the University Librarian at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), I operate in a space where passion, pressure, and purpose intersect. It’s a role that requires resilience, vision, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of information services, especially within an institution rooted in science and technology, situated in a region where infrastructure and funding can be unpredictable.

This reality constantly prompts me to ask: How can the academic library stay relevant, not just in theory but in practice? How do we lead confidently in environments where constraints are the norm, yet expectations remain high?

At LAUTECH, a state-funded university of technology in Ogbomoso, I oversee the Olusegun Oke Library and its subsidiaries, including the Medical Library and the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources’ Library in Iseyin. Together, they form a growing academic hub serving over 30,000 students and researchers across twelve faculties and colleges, encompassing Engineering, Arts and Social Sciences, Computing, Pure and Applied Sciences, Health Sciences, Agriculture, and Renewable Natural Resources.

Between Constraint and Commitment

The constraints are real. From modest budget provisions to occasional power outages, we operate in an environment that demands ingenuity and continuous adaptation. Challenges, including but not limited to delayed subscriptions and fluctuating internet bandwidth, sometimes impact the momentum of our innovation.

To enhance internet connectivity across the campus, the University installed fiber optic cables, providing reliable internet access to all users.

In response to these realities, we have developed a culture of doing more with less —a strength we view not as a limitation, but as a unique asset.

To lessen the impact of power outages, we invested in alternative energy sources.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, we swiftly launched an e-library portal, an initiative that now averages over 10,000 monthly remote sessions, providing uninterrupted access to learning and research for our users. These interventions were not luxuries; they were necessities. And necessity, as always, remains the mother of our innovation.

A Frontline Role in Academic Support

At a University of Technology, the library is not just background scenery. It is a frontline academic partner, a collaborator in teaching, a guide for research, and a bridge between data and discovery. Beyond providing access to information, we empower users to evaluate sources, cite responsibly, explore AI tools ethically, and follow emerging research trends.

In a world flooded with information, we teach them to think critically because access alone isn’t enough. Understanding is what empowers. We also support academic staff through research visibility tools, ORCID registration drives, and assistance with article publication. As global research demands increase, African scholars need practical, context-specific support, and the library is well-positioned to provide it.

A Broader Professional Lens—IFLA and the Power of Global Solidarity

My journey with the IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section has been an incredible source of insight and encouragement. Participating in IFLA-related activities, whether as a blog reader, contributor, or observer, reminds me that our challenges are not unique. More importantly, they reaffirm that the insights we bring from our context are deeply valuable. Sometimes, what we need is not external solutions, but a platform to share what we’re already doing well. IFLA provides us with that platform. Engaging with colleagues worldwide has strengthened my conviction: although we work within different systems, our mission is the same—to make libraries central to learning, equity, and transformation. That gives me hope, and it sharpens my determination. Looking ahead, there is still much to accomplish.

We need increased funding, better policy alignment, faster systems, and ongoing staff development. However, we should also take a moment to acknowledge our progress. We are not where we used to be. Based on my experience at this university library, which is part of a University of Technology, progress here is deliberate, not accidental.

So, what’s it like to lead a library in a Nigerian university of technology? It is demanding. It is deeply local, yet globally connected. It requires vision, patience, and resilience. But above all, it involves belief: the belief that what we do matters, that our users deserve the best, and that our role as academic librarians is not just relevant, but essential. And yes, I still dream big, because the future of African libraries is not just possible; it’s inevitable. It is powerful.